The skeletal remains of a Nigerian Police Force inspector who had been missing for weeks were recovered in Guma Local

Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa

Security forces in Benue State have confirmed the recovery of suspected skeletal remains believed to be those of a Nigerian Police Force inspector who had been missing for more than six months, bringing a prolonged and distressing chapter to a close for colleagues and loved ones. The discovery, made in a bush in Guma Local Government Area, has sparked renewed calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the officer’s disappearance and death.

Inspector Mohammed Yakubu, a member of the 13 Police Mobile Force (PMF) attached to Operation Zenda Joint Task Force, was first reported missing on June 13, 2025, while on duty in the Tse Keleke area, around ten kilometres from Daudu. His disappearance had prompted concern within the security community and among residents, as the circumstances of his disappearance remained unclear amid rising insecurity in parts of Benue State. 

According to statements from the Benue State Police Command, actionable intelligence led a joint security operation to a bush on December 18, where the skeletal remains were located near the general vicinity where Inspector Yakubu was last seen. A combined team assembled for the recovery included officers from the Makurdi metropolitan area command, the Daudu division, the police medical unit, the State Intelligence Service, personnel from the 13 PMF and Operation Zenda JTF, the Counter-Terrorism Unit, and members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards. 

The coordinated response reflected the extended effort to resolve the case, which had lingered without resolution for months. Colleagues described Inspector Yakubu as a dedicated officer whose disappearance raised serious questions about safety and stability for security personnel operating in volatile zones of the state. The recovery of what are believed to be his remains, although grim, has offered a degree of closure to those closely following the case. 

Police sources indicate that the skeletal remains were transported to the 13 PMF base for appropriate forensic processing and identification procedures before any formal handover to the inspector’s family. Authorities stated that they have initiated necessary consultations with the family ahead of burial arrangements, signalling respect for cultural and familial rites.

While the recovery marks the end of the missing-in-action status that had stretched for more than half a year, officials have underscored that investigations into the circumstances surrounding Inspector Yakubu’s disappearance and the events leading to his death are ongoing. There has been no official statement on the cause of death or any attribution of responsibility for what many colleagues regard as a tragic loss. 

The case has unfolded against a backdrop of heightened security challenges in parts of Benue State. The region has experienced periodic violence linked to communal clashes, herder-farmer tensions, and attacks by armed groups, posing significant risks to civilians and security forces alike. Guma Local Government Area, where the remains were found, has been one of several localities grappling with these pressures, leading to sustained operations by joint task forces aimed at maintaining order and protecting communities. 

The disappearance and death of Inspector Yakubu also highlight broader concerns about the safety of law enforcement personnel deployed to volatile rural areas where pathways to swift reinforcements and medical support can be limited. Family members and police associations had earlier urged authorities to keep his case in the public eye, fearing that extended absence without resolution could dampen morale among officers and fuel anxieties among communities. The recovery of his remains, though deeply saddening, may ease some of those concerns by affirming that efforts to account for missing personnel continue. 

Local community leaders and civil society groups have reacted to the development with a mix of relief and solemnity. Many see the discovery as an opportunity to press for greater protections for security operatives and for improved mechanisms to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Calls have also emerged for enhanced collaboration between local populations and security agencies, emphasising that shared intelligence and mutual trust are critical to confronting the array of threats facing the region. 

Benue State authorities have consistently maintained that security remains a priority and have reiterated commitments to addressing the underlying drivers of violence that imperil both civilians and law enforcement. The recovery of Inspector Yakubu’s remains is expected to be a focal point in upcoming meetings between police leadership and community representatives, as stakeholders seek to honour his service and draw lessons for strengthening safety and operational protocols. 

National and local media coverage of the case has underscored the emotional toll on the inspector’s family, who had endured uncertainty for months. Well-wishers and colleagues have extended condolences and tributes, recognising Yakubu’s contributions to policing efforts in Benue State. As plans for his burial are finalized, police officials have expressed hope that the officer’s memory will be honoured in a manner befitting his service and sacrifice.

This case also adds to a series of security incidents in Benue and across Nigeria involving missing or killed security personnel, prompting discussions about tactical preparedness, risk assessment, and support infrastructure for officers in the field. Advocates for security sector reform argue that strengthened information sharing, improved logistical support, and enhanced protective measures could mitigate the dangers faced by security forces in hostile environments. 

As investigations continue, authorities have appealed to community members to come forward with any information that could shed light on unresolved aspects of the case, emphasising that uncovering the full truth behind Inspector Yakubu’s disappearance and death is essential to delivering justice and safeguarding future operations. 

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