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A disturbing incident has unfolded in Naka, the headquarters of Gwer West Local Government Area in Benue State, where a 23-year-old man was shot during a violent confrontation between operatives of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF), a special security outfit of the Nigerian Police, and personnel of the Nigerian Army.
According to reports published by The Sun Nigeria, the clash erupted suddenly, catching locals off guard. Residents of the area have expressed shock and confusion, insisting they have no idea what triggered the exchange of fire between the two security agencies that are supposed to be working together to maintain peace and combat crime in the region.
Eyewitnesses and community members spoken to by journalists suggested the shooting may have been a tragic case of mistaken identity or a serious misunderstanding between the police task force and the military unit stationed in the area. “We just heard gunshots everywhere. Nobody knew what was happening until we saw the young man on the ground,” one local reportedly said.
The victim, whose identity has not yet been officially disclosed by authorities, was caught in the crossfire and sustained gunshot wounds. As at the time of the report, his condition remains unknown, with no official statement confirming whether he survived the ordeal or is receiving treatment.
This incident has once again spotlighted the recurring problem of poor coordination and occasional hostility between different arms of Nigeria’s security architecture. Despite both the police and the army being under the federal government’s control, there have been several documented cases across the country where joint operations turn sour, leading to avoidable casualties—often with innocent civilians paying the ultimate price.
Operation Zenda was established years ago by the Benue State Police Command to tackle rising cases of armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and herdsmen-farmer clashes in the state. The task force has recorded significant successes but has also faced criticism over alleged excessive use of force. The presence of military troops in the same area is part of the broader counter-insurgency and internal security operations in the North-Central zone.
As expected, the story has sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians questioning how two agencies meant to protect citizens can end up endangering them through friendly fire. Calls are already mounting for a thorough investigation and sanctions for whoever is found to have triggered the unnecessary shooting.
At the time of writing, neither the Benue State Police Command nor the Nigerian Army Directorate of Army Public Relations has issued an official statement addressing the incident. The silence from both sides is only fueling speculation and anger in a country already weary of insecurity and institutional failures.
When security forces meant to keep the peace become the source of terror, it erodes whatever is left of public trust. The people of Naka, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve answers—and fast.
