Security Forces Clash in Benue Community
Tensions escalated in Benue State on Tuesday when operatives of the Nigerian Police's Operation Zenda Joint Task Force clashed with personnel of the Nigerian Army in Naka, Gwer West Local Government Area.
The incident occurred along the Makurdi–Naka–Adoka–Ankpa and Naka–Agagbe roads on November 11, 2025, causing widespread panic among residents of the rural town, which hosts a significant population of internally displaced persons.
How the Confrontation Unfolded
According to security sources and witness accounts, the confrontation began when soldiers stationed at a checkpoint observed motorcyclists transporting butchered cows, a movement they considered suspicious.
When the soldiers attempted to stop the motorcyclists for questioning, a Toyota Hilux vehicle approached the checkpoint at high speed and ignored repeated signals to halt. The troops responded by firing warning shots as standard procedure, but the vehicle continued into Naka town.
Shortly after this incident, sporadic gunfire erupted in the community. It was later discovered that some Operation Zenda personnel had allegedly fired into the air in celebration of what they described as a successful operation against kidnappers and bandits.
Casualties and Damage
During the exchange, one person sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Naka Medical Centre. Medical officials confirmed the victim is a 12-year-old boy who was hit in the leg by a stray bullet and is in stable condition.
The clash also resulted in significant property damage, including the destruction of the official vehicle belonging to the JTF Commander, CSP Lyam Akegh, during the alleged exchange of gunfire between the security forces.
Witnesses reported that the police task force had been returning from an operation targeted at curbing kidnappings and banditry when soldiers stationed in the area intercepted them, leading to the confrontation.
Pattern of Security Forces Clashes
This incident marks another in a series of clashes between different security agencies in Nigeria. Recall that tragedy struck in the Bayan Gari area of Bauchi metropolis on Friday, October 10, 2025, where a Police Constable, Ukasha Muhammed, was shot dead in the left chest during a clash with soldiers.
Similarly, in Ebonyi state on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, a clash between policemen on duty and a military man resulted in the death of a passerby who was hit by a discharged bullet.
The recurring nature of these incidents raises serious concerns about inter-agency coordination and the safety of civilians caught in crossfire between security forces tasked with protecting them.
