From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State Police Command neutralised 12 suspected bandits in a recent operation and also recovered several firearms and charms.
The Commissioner of Police, Hassan Yabanet, however, lamented that the operation also came at a cost, as Inspector Terfa Anyiatse, a member of the police team who sustained a gunshot injury, was later confirmed dead.
The commissioner, in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Catherine Anene, said the operation was carried out by Operation Zenda Joint Taskforce, on his directives to clamp down on criminal gangs in the state.
He confirmed that the taskforce had been raiding various locations across the state when they encountered the bandits at Agwabi, Tombo Ward in Buruku Local Government Area.
According to him, a fierce gun duel ensued, with the police eventually gaining the upper hand and neutralising 12 of the bandits, while the injured ones were taken to hospital where they were confirmed dead.
He revealed that three AK-47 rifles, six rounds of live ammunition, camouflage uniforms and assorted charms were recovered from the bandits.
He said the police also carried out operations in other parts of the state, including Daudu and Makurdi, where they recovered seven locally made pistols, arrested five suspected robbers, and apprehended 32 suspected cultists.
The commissioner, who extolled the courage of the operatives involved in the operation, commiserated with the family and friends of the deceased officer, and prayed for the repose of his soul.
