The body of Inspector Mohammed Yakubu, a Nigerian police officer who went missing while on official duty, has been discovered weeks later in Benue State.

Inspector Yakubu’s Disappearance and Discovery

Inspector Yakubu, who was attached to the 13 Police Mobile Force (PMF) and assigned to the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF), had been reported missing since June 13, 2025. The officer was last seen in the Tse Keleke area of Guma Local Government Area while carrying out his duties. His sudden disappearance had raised alarms, especially with the rising insecurity in the region.

On Thursday, December 18, 2025, Yakubu’s lifeless body was found in a decomposed state in a bush near Tse Keleke, approximately 10 kilometers from Daudu. The area is known for frequent security challenges and violent incidents, including attacks on both security forces and civilians.

Circumstances and Ongoing Investigation

The circumstances surrounding Yakubu’s death remain unclear, with the Benue State Police Command yet to release an official statement. However, security sources confirmed that investigations are underway to determine how the officer met his end and identify those responsible for his death.

Benue State has seen increasing violence, including attacks by armed groups, criminal gangs, and communal conflicts. The deaths of security personnel in the region have become more common, with reports of police patrols being ambushed and officers killed during routine operations.

Rising Concerns About Officer Safety

The discovery of Inspector Yakubu’s body has further intensified concerns about the safety of security personnel working in high-risk areas, particularly in rural local government areas such as Guma, Logo, and Gwer West. Despite various security deployments and joint task force operations, violent incidents, including abductions and killings, remain persistent.

This latest tragedy has raised urgent calls for better intelligence, improved equipment, and enhanced protection for officers deployed to conflict zones in Benue and other states affected by rising insecurity.