Two members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been confirmed dead after an ambush on a joint security patrol team in Udei, located in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
A report released on Thursday indicated that the attack took place around 4:38 PM on Tuesday, resulting in at least three officers being reported missing, while two others suffered gunshot wounds and are currently receiving medical care.
The patrol team, which consisted of personnel from various security agencies, including the Police Mobile Force (13 PMF and 58 PMF), State Intelligence Services (SIS), Operation Zenda, Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), NSCDC, Benue State Civil Protection Guards, and local vigilantes, had responded to emergency calls regarding houses being set on fire in Udei village.
According to sources cited by The Trumpet , the team was ambushed with heavy gunfire near the Ukohol community along the Makurdi-Lafia highway while heading to the affected area.
During the intense attack, Police Inspector Ochepo Benjamin and an unnamed NSCDC officer were injured and were quickly taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi for urgent treatment.
As of the time of this report, the status of Police Inspector Muhammed Abdullahi and two other NSCDC officers remains unknown.
The NSCDC Public Relations Officer Michael Ejelikwu confirmed the incident, identifying the deceased officers as Adoli Simon and Ernest Tyolumun Ayilla, both holding the rank of Assistant Superintendent Cadre I (ASCI).
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“Yes, I can sadly and regretfully confirm the deaths of two of our personnel, Adoli Simon (ASCI) and Ernest Tyolumun Ayilla (ASCI), who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending their country during a joint security operation in Udei, Guma Local Government Area, on July 8, 2025, at approximately 4:38 PM,” Ejelikwu stated.
He further emphasized, “I want to make it clear that the Corps will not be deterred by these coordinated and ongoing attacks by these violent herdsmen and their accomplices.
The NSCDC, in collaboration with other security agencies, will continue to uphold the territorial integrity of Nigeria.”
However, as of the time of this report, the Benue State command of the Nigeria Police Force has not issued any official statement regarding the incident.
Reports indicate that this ambush is the latest in a series of violent confrontations between security forces and armed groups in the conflict-ridden Benue region, where tensions between farmers and suspected herdsmen are on the rise.