The Benue State Police Command has announced the neutralisation of three suspected armed bandits and the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and other criminal items during a series of coordinated security operations conducted across different parts of the state.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Udeme, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday in Makurdi, highlighting the successes recorded between June 6 and June 12 through intelligence-driven policing, proactive patrols, and joint security interventions.
According to Udeme, one of the major breakthroughs occurred in Ukum Local Government Area, where operatives attached to the Gbeji Police Division worked alongside members of the Community Volunteer Guards to respond to intelligence reports about the activities of armed bandits along the Vaase-Chito Road.
She explained that security personnel encountered the suspected criminals during the operation, leading to an exchange of gunfire between both parties.
During the confrontation, three of the suspected bandits were neutralised, while security operatives successfully recovered one AK-47 rifle, 21 rounds of live ammunition, and a motorcycle believed to have been used by the suspects.
Udeme noted that some members of the gang escaped from the scene with gunshot wounds and are currently being tracked by security agencies.
She stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network operating within the area.
In a separate operation, officers attached to the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) in Makurdi arrested a suspect allegedly found in possession of a locally fabricated revolver pistol and six rounds of live ammunition.
The police spokesperson said investigations are ongoing to determine the suspect’s activities and possible links to other criminal groups operating within the state.
Udeme further revealed that operatives attached to the Daudu Police Division acted on credible intelligence to raid a suspected criminal hideout located at Gyemu Settlement in Guma Local Government Area.
During the operation, a suspected cult member allegedly linked to the notorious Red Skin Cult Group was arrested.
According to her, several criminal charms were recovered from the suspect, who reportedly admitted involvement in cult-related activities during preliminary investigations.
The command also recorded another success through the activities of the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force, which apprehended a suspected leader of an armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate in Gboko Local Government Area.
The suspect was arrested with a locally fabricated firearm, five rounds of live ammunition, and various criminal charms allegedly used during criminal operations.
Udeme disclosed that the suspect sustained injuries during an attempted mob attack before being rescued by security operatives and taken to a medical facility for treatment.
“The suspect was taken to the hospital for treatment after sustaining injuries during an attempted mob attack,” she said.
In another incident, police officers attached to the Okpokwu Division successfully foiled a robbery attempt at a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members’ lodge located in Ugwu Okpoga, Okpokwu Local Government Area.
The spokesperson explained that one suspect was arrested during the operation, while other members of the gang escaped from the scene.
She noted that the swift response of the police prevented the robbery from taking place and ensured the safety of residents and corps members within the area.
Providing a summary of the achievements recorded during the period under review, Udeme stated that security operatives recovered two locally fabricated firearms, one AK-47 rifle, 32 rounds of live ammunition, one motorcycle, and several criminal charms.
The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, as commending officers and personnel involved in the operations for their professionalism, bravery, and commitment to duty.
Nwadiogbu praised the dedication of security personnel and encouraged them to sustain the momentum in the fight against crime and criminality across the state.
He reiterated the command’s determination to safeguard lives and property while maintaining peace and security in all parts of Benue State.
The commissioner also appealed to residents to continue supporting law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence capable of assisting ongoing security operations.
According to him, collaboration between citizens and security agencies remains essential in addressing criminal activities and ensuring a safer environment for everyone.
He assured residents that the command remains fully committed to upholding law and order while intensifying efforts to combat banditry, armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and other forms of criminal activities across the state.
