Four members of a joint security patrol team were reportedly killed in an ambush by suspected armed herdsmen at Udei community, near Yelewata, in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The victims were part of the Buffalo Squad of Operation Zenda, a multi-agency task force comprising personnel from the Mobile Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Police Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), and the Benue State Civil Protection Guards. The team was on a routine patrol along the Daudu-Yelewata road on Tuesday when the attack occurred.
A local source revealed that the team noticed smoke rising from the Udei area, about two kilometers from the expressway, and proceeded into the bush to investigate.
As they approached the community, they were ambushed by a large group of armed men on motorbikes who were in the process of setting the village on fire.
Three officers were killed on the spot, while one went missing.
Efforts to reach the missing officer by phone were unsuccessful, as a call to his number was answered by someone speaking an unfamiliar language, raising fears that he had also been killed.
Two other officers, including the Commander of the Buffalo Squad, sustained gunshot wounds and were evacuated to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
According to the source, the attack triggered a fierce gun battle that extended into Wednesday, with security forces launching a counter-offensive to push back the attackers.
“The exchange of gunfire was intense and lasted all day. We heard heavy gunshots even from Daudu town, and the residents are living in fear,” the source added.
Confirming the casualties, the Benue State Command of the NSCDC said it lost two officers in the ambush. NSCDC spokesperson, Michael Ejelikwu, identified the fallen officers as ASCI Simon Adoli and ASCI Ernest Ayilla.
“It is with deep regret that we confirm the deaths of our personnel during a joint security operation at Udei, Guma LGA, on July 8, 2025, at about 4:38 p.m.,” he said. “Despite these losses, the NSCDC remains committed to defending the nation’s territorial integrity alongside other security agencies.”
However, when contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, declined to comment on the incident.