At least 16 security personnel are feared dead, with several others missing, following an ambush by suspected armed herdsmen and local militia gangs in Agu Centre, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State. The attack occurred during an operation to flush out armed herdsmen.

Surviving operatives sustained injuries, and the trucks transporting them were set ablaze, with motorcycles taken by the attackers. Among those killed were members of Operation Anyam Nyor, a Joint Security Task Force comprising police officers and members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards.

A local source reported that over 90 security personnel, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Danlami Usman, were ambushed by a combined force of armed herdsmen and local militia, estimated to number around 1,000.

The Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Justine Shaku, confirmed the incident and noted that the operation faced fierce resistance from local militias and mercenaries. He stated that more than 10 officers are missing, with only two bodies recovered so far.

In response to the attack, the Nigeria Police Force announced the arrest of six suspects linked to the ambush. The Commissioner of Police for Benue State, Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari, is leading recovery efforts for the missing officers.

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun condemned the attack, characterizing it as a brutal affront to the people of Benue State. He assured the public that additional tactical resources would be deployed to restore peace in the region.