At least 11 security operatives have been feared killed around Agu Centre general area in Mbatula/Mberev Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
Zagazola Makama had earlier reported that the incident, which occurred on September 19, 2025 involved personnel of Operation Anyam Nyor, Operation Zenda, Special Intervention Squad (SIS) and civil protection guards and that they were on patrol when they ran into the armed herdsmen/bandits ambush.
Council Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Dr. Shaku Justine, told our correspondent on telephone on Sunday afternoon, that 11 security personnel who participated in the clearance operations were still missing while three bodies had been recovered so far.
Justine said two bodies were first recovered late Friday night while a rescue team continued to comb the bushes all through Saturday and as of Sunday morning, one more was recovered.
However, residents alleged that there were 16 missing security operatives during the encounter with multiple armed invaders.
On his part, the Council chairman noted that many officers who participated in the operation are still missing, including one known as Danzuru, who was allegedly captured alive by armed bandits.
“Yes. Some security operatives were attacked on Friday while they were on joint patrol. Two bodies were recovered past 11pm Friday night. We don’t know if all the 11 personnel were killed but a rescue team had been deployed to the area. It’s when they return that we will know for sure.
“The two patrol vehicles they (security personnel) were in was burnt down. Eyewitness said the attackers were more than 1,000. They came in large numbers. As at now (Sunday afternoon), the rescue team are still in the bush. One more body was recovered but we will get actual report when they return,” the chairman added.
When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, however said she would soon respond with a statement.
However, Zagazola, in the earlier report, quoted as source as saying: “The attackers, armed with rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and heavy weapons, engaged the operatives in a prolonged gun battle.
“The commander of the civil protection guard was shot in the hand, while one police officer and two local vigilantes were killed instantly.
“Later in the day, two more bodies of police officers attached to Operation Zenda and Anyam Nyor, as well as two local vigilantes, were recovered and deposited at NKST Zaki Biam Hospital morgue.”
According to a source, five police personnel and an unconfirmed number of vigilantes remain unaccounted, adding that two police patrol vehicles, including a gun truck attached to Operation Zenda Joint Task Force, were set ablaze by the attackers, while an SIS Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) was demobilised but later recovered with its crew safe.
Written with additional reports from Daily Trust