Armed Herdsmen Kill Airman, NSCDC Officer in Benue

Suspected armed herdsmen have killed two security personnel—an Air Force airman and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—serving under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack occurred less than four days after five persons were reportedly killed by suspected herdsmen in Udeku community, also in Kwande LGA.

Sources in the area told journalists in Makurdi on Sunday that the victims were returning to their duty post when they were ambushed by the armed herdsmen and shot dead on the spot.
According to a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity, the security operatives had travelled on a motorcycle to Adikpo town and were on their way back when they were attacked.
“They were on a bike. They went to Adikpo and were returning when the herdsmen attacked and killed them. One soldier and one Civil Defence officer were killed,” the resident said.
A community leader in Jato Aka, Mr. Lawrence Akerigba, also confirmed the incident in a message, describing it as another tragic attack in the area.
“Yesterday, 10/01/2026, at about 4:26pm, another tragedy struck in Turan, Kwande Local Government Area, when security officers stationed at Anwase were killed by herdsmen at Udeku—the same location where five people were killed four days earlier,” he stated.
Akerigba said the attackers arrived in large numbers and operated without resistance, setting houses ablaze, destroying farmlands, and cutting down economic trees.
He explained that the herdsmen blocked the road as the security officers, who had gone to Aga market to refill their gas supply, were returning to their base, where they were shot immediately upon sight.
“Our people are exposed to serious danger. Jato Aka town, which comprises five council wards, has been taken over and replaced by herders. The area is no longer safe. Fear has gripped the community, and people are already relocating, with many unsure of where to go,” he added.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from Operation Whirl Stroke. However, a reliable military source confirmed the incident, disclosing that the slain soldier was an aircraftman of the Nigerian Air Force.
The Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Michael Ejelikwu, also confirmed the killing of the corps officer.
“Yes, unfortunately, I can confirm that at about 1500 hours on Saturday, 10th January 2026, Fulani militias attacked three security personnel attached to Operation Whirl Stroke, killing two of them,” Ejelikwu said.
He noted that the incident occurred at Udedeku, Maav-ya, Mbakyor Council Ward of Kwande Local Government Area.
“The NSCDC personnel killed in the attack is CCA Tijani Idris, with service number 76691, from the Kaduna State Command but seconded to the Operation Whirl Stroke Joint Task Force,” he added.
Ejelikwu extended condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, describing the killing as “an unfortunate incident and part of the hazards of the profession.”
He reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to confronting insecurity in all its forms and remaining steadfast in the discharge of its duties.