Security operatives killed in fresh Benue attack

At least two personnel of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have lost their lives when a joint security patrol team was ambushed by armed men at Udei in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

At least three officers have been missing since the incident which happened on Tuesday.

It was learnt the team, comprising personnel from 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 came under attack at about 4:38pm.

The team was said to have encountered heavy gunfire around Ukohol community on Makurdi-Lafia highway while advancing towards the affected Udei village, where houses were being set ablaze.

During the ambush, Inspector Ochepo Benjamin of the police and an unnamed NSCDC officer sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, where they are currently receiving treatment.

However, the trio of Police Inspector Muhammed Abdullahi and two NSCDC officers are said to be missing.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, told journalists in Makurdi that she did not have information about the incident.

But the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Michael Ejelikwu, confirmed the casualties in a telephone conversation with our correspondent.

He identified the two officers killed during the operation as Adoli Simon (ASCI) and Ernest Tyolumun Ayilla (ASCI).

Ejelikwu said, “Yes, I can sadly and regrettably confirm the killing of two of our personnel, Adoli Simon (ASCI) and Ernest Tyolumun Ayilla (ASCI) who both paid the supreme price defending their father land during a joint security team clear out operations at Udei, Guma Local Government Area on 8th July, 2025 at about 1638 hours.

“Let me state unequivocally, that the Corps’ is not deterred by this coordinated and sustained attacks by this marauding killer herdsmen and their collaborators, the NSCDC in synergy with other security agencies will continue to defend the territorial integrity of the Nigerian nation.”