Benue Police Under Fire: 'Operation Zenda' Accused of Widespread Extrajudicial Killings

A disturbing pattern of alleged extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and violent raids by an elite police unit known as "Operation Zenda" has emerged in Benue State, Nigeria. Established in 2008 to combat kidnapping, communal clashes, and boundary disputes, the unit, rather than protecting citizens, has become a significant source of fear, according to multiple residents and victims' families interviewed by Premium Times.

The village of Tse Angaador, a farming community 182 kilometers from Makurdi, became the scene of one such tragic incident in the early morning of July 27, 2024. During an all-night Tiv traditional funeral rite for Kumawuese Bam, a secondary schoolgirl who died after an illness, members of Operation Zenda opened fire on mourners. Polycarp Yaapera recounted witnessing his younger brother, Aondoakura, a 34-year-old father of three, fall to the ground after gunshots erupted. Seven mourners, including Aondoakura and Lubem Bam (son of the deceased's mother, Helen Bam), died in the raid.

Helen Bam, already bereaved by the loss of her daughter Kumawuese, was inside her room when police officers allegedly kicked open her door, searched her belongings, and stole ₦32,000 cash and a smartphone. She expressed profound sorrow, stating, "My husband died in 2015 and left me with five children. Now Kumawuese is gone. Lubem is gone." The community head, Mbaveluior Yaapera, alleged that Commander Akegh Ernest of Operation Zenda led the team that loaded the bodies into a Hilux van and drove away. An eyewitness corroborated that the bodies were taken to a private mortuary in Ugba, bypassing the usual procedure for displaying bandits' bodies publicly at the general hospital.

Following the killings, the community sought assistance from their representative, Solomon Wombo, and the then-chairman of Logo Local Government Area, Benjamin Uzenda. Community representatives were reportedly told by the council boss that the police regretted the killings, calling them an "error," but warned against further action, implying that future security assistance might be withheld if they "insisted on taking it up." While Mr. Wombo provided ₦500,000 for the victims' burial, subsequent attempts by Premium Times to reach him for comments on accountability and follow-up efforts were unsuccessful.

Six months prior, on January 12, 2024, another raid led by Akegh Ernest, then a divisional police officer in Logo, occurred in Tse Jikina, about 31 kilometers from Tse Angaador. Officers, without a warrant, allegedly raided the home of herbal practitioner Iorhom Orkile, accusing him of supplying charms to bandits. Residents reported assaults and 25 burnt and abandoned houses in the aftermath. Tornyor Orkile, Iorhom’s brother, filed a lawsuit against the police and Operation Zenda, but the case was struck out due to a judge's transfer, with Mr. Orkile claiming he was pressured to drop the case.

Several other cases highlight the unit's controversial operations. In May 2022, Terna Chado was arrested by Operation Zenda and subsequently died in custody. Police claimed he was struck by a stray bullet during an exchange of gunfire while accompanying officers to arrest another suspect, and was buried without family knowledge. A court later awarded Terna’s family ₦50 million in compensation, which remains unpaid. Paul Achov, a 27-year-old Philosophy graduate, was arrested in August 2025 and has been missing since. Despite a police situation report labelling him a criminal, no formal charges were presented, and a police source allegedly claimed he was killed, a claim challenged by human rights activist Ukan Kurugh.

Fanen Kpentemen, arrested in September 2025 over alleged WhatsApp fraud, died by the following day. Police claimed he was an armed robbery suspect who attempted to escape and was lynched by youths, a narrative disputed by his family who allege torture and question the lack of prompt notification. In January 2026, Tordue Shapila was arrested, denied family access, and later reported dead by police who claimed he was killed in an exchange of gunfire during an investigation in Gboko. His family rejected this account, demanding an investigation, independent autopsy, his body for burial, and ₦5 billion in compensation.

Commander Akegh Ernest denied wrongdoing, stating that his operations adhere to the law, but declined to provide medical or autopsy reports for cases raised. Benue police spokesperson Udeme Edet similarly evaded questions on the Tse Angaador incident and Paul Achov’s disappearance, and for Fanen Kpentemen's death, stated the police stand by their initial report without providing an autopsy. Jacob Gbamwuan, Director-General of the Bureau of Homeland Security, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations but deferred responsibility for an investigation committee to the Nigeria Police Force. Human rights lawyer Rommy Mom emphasized the need for investigations and sanctions to prevent impunity.

These allegations arise as the Benue State Government continues to increase its security budget, allocating ₦9.27 billion in 2023, ₦12 billion in 2024, and proposing ₦15.60 billion for 2025. This raises critical questions about accountability for these funds and whether institutions tasked with protecting citizens are instead becoming a source of fear and terror for the very people they are meant to serve.