Police arrest 6 suspects after deadly Benue ambush that claimed the lives of Dan Zuru, bodies of missing policemen recovered

By our reporter 22.9.2025
The Nigeria Police Force have arrested six suspects in connection to a deadly ambush by suspected herdsmen and local militias that left three officers including Police ASP Danlamin Usman, popularly known as Dan Zuru dead and others missing.
Dan Zuru on September 19 led a combined tactical team to dislodge armed militias that have regrouped after earlier losses in the Utange–Mbatyula axis. But Dan Zuru and his men were met with an ambush, which resulted in a gun battle.
Nigeria Police Force spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said investigations are on and efforts are being made to rescue the missing officers.
He said: “The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari, is currently leading the operation to rescue the missing officers and apprehend fleeing suspects. The six arrested suspects are already assisting investigators with useful information.”
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, condemned the attack, describing it as “cruel, unwarranted, and an affront on the good people of Benue State.”
Meanwhile fresh details have emerged about the fierce encounter. Acting on intelligence the Dan Zuru led team had advanced into Agu Centre unaware that hundreds of reinforcements, including mercenaries from neighbouring Taraba State, had joined the armed herders.
When the officers arrived, they were met with intense automatic gunfire, AK-47s, sub-machine guns, and rocket-propelled grenades.
Despite being outnumbered, Zuru and his colleagues, including veteran officer John “Bushman” and Commander Mike Tuurga of the Anyam Nyór force, held their ground.
Eyewitnesses say Zuru directed covering fire as his men retreated under heavy attack. Commander Tuurga was wounded, while Bushman reportedly manned a mounted machine gun to stall the advancing fighters. Zuru stayed behind to ensure his team escaped, exchanging fire until ammunition on the main gun ran dry.
The clash left several security operatives dead and vehicles destroyed by RPG fire.
The bodies of the eight policemen earlier declared missing have been recovered.
Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Dr Justin Shaku, confirmed the development to reporters in Makurdi on Monday.
According to him, the recovery brings the total number of casualties from the incident to 11, comprising 10 policemen and one member of the Benue State Community Protection Guards (BSCPG).