Two operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had been killed when gunmen ambushed a joint security patrol team at Udei in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Three officers are reported missing in the incident which took place on Tuesday.
A team of the Police Mobile Force (13 PMF, 58 PMF), State Intelligence Services (SIS), Operation Zenda, Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), NSCDC), Benue State Civil Protection Guards, and local vigilantes, was responding to reports of burning houses in the area when they were attacked at about 4:38pm.
The gunmen opened heavy gunfire at the security team around Ukohol community on Makurdi-Lafia highway while going to the affected Udei village, where houses were being set ablaze.
Police Inspector Ochepo Benjamin and an unnamed NSCDC officer were wounded by gunshot and were rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, where they are currently receiving treatment.
It was learnt that Police Inspector Muhammed Abdullahi and two NSCDC officers were reported missing.
The State Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said was yet to be briefed about the incident, but her NSCDC counterpart, Michael Ejelikwu, confirmed the casualties and identified them to be Adoli Simon (ASCI) and Ernest Tyolumun Ayilla (ASCI).
Ejelikwu said, “both paid the supreme price defending their father land during a joint security team clear out operations at Udei, Guma Local Government Area on July 8, 2025 at about 1638 hours.”
