Police Inspector Killed, Another Personnel Injured in Benue Checkpoint Ambush

Deadly Ambush on Benue Checkpoint

A police inspector attached to the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF), Inspector Akpan Ogbole, was tragically killed in a midnight ambush by unidentified gunmen at a security checkpoint along the Otukpo–Ohimini Road in Benue State, Nigeria. The incident, which occurred late Thursday night, October 23, 2025, or early Friday, October 24, 2025, also left another security personnel, Abechi Oche of the Nigeria Forest and Hunters Services, seriously injured.

Details of the Attack

According to local sources and official reports, the gunmen launched a surprise attack on the joint security team manning the checkpoint. A fierce gun battle ensued between the security operatives and the assailants. During the exchange of gunfire, Inspector Ogbole and Abechi Oche sustained severe bullet wounds.

The injured officers were immediately rushed to Otukpo General Hospital for emergency medical attention. Sadly, Inspector Ogbole was confirmed dead upon arrival at the hospital. Abechi Oche, who was initially feared dead, was later stabilized and is reportedly recuperating and responding positively to treatment.

Stolen Weapons and Ongoing Investigation

The attackers reportedly made away with an AK-47 rifle belonging to the police and a pump-action gun assigned to the Nigeria Forest and Hunters Services before fleeing the scene.

The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident. He stated that a full-scale investigation has been launched to track down the perpetrators and recover the stolen weapons. Tactical teams led by the acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) have reportedly been deployed to the Otukpo Area Command to coordinate aggressive anti-crime operations aimed at arresting the culprits and dismantling criminal networks in the area.