Nigerian police have arrested six people in connection with a deadly ambush on police tactical teams in Benue State that left three officers dead and seven others missing, the force said on Sunday.

The attack happened on Friday in Agu Centre, Katsina-Ala/Ukum Local Government Area, where suspected armed herdsmen and local militias opened fire on police units deployed to the area.

A police spokesman said local police are leading a search-and-rescue operation for the missing officers, while the suspects are being kept in custody.

Nigeria's Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun called the attack "cruel, unwarranted, and an affront on the good people of Benue State."

Local officials said the attackers also destroyed two police vehicles and stole several motorcycles.

Clashes between pastoralist herders and farming communities are common in Nigeria's Middle Belt, where disputes over land and grazing routes have escalated into deadly violence.

The police said additional tactical units have been deployed to the area to restore order and apprehend those responsible.