The bodies of eight missing policemen were recovered following a deadly ambush at Agu Centre, near the Katsina-Ala and Ukum border in Benue state.
The attack, which happened on Friday, targeted a joint team of security operatives made up of Operation Zenda, the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, and the Special Intervention Squad.
Three officers were confirmed dead on the day of the incident, while eight others were declared missing. Their corpses were later found, raising the death toll to 11.
Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Dr Justine Shaku, confirmed the development in Makurdi on Monday.
“This brings the number of officers killed to 11 — ten policemen and one BSCPG operative,” Shaku told journalists, adding that Benue Police Commissioner, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, was already on ground to oversee security operations.
He described the atmosphere in the area as “still tense and unfriendly” but assured that efforts were ongoing to stabilise the situation.
Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, also confirmed the recovery of the eight bodies.
Commander of the BSCPG, Capt. Ayuma Ajobi (rtd), speaking to reporters, said the group lost one operative and two motorcycles in the attack.
Security forces have since launched a fresh operation in the area to track down the armed invaders behind the killings.
