Benue State police have killed three suspected armed bandits and recovered a cache of weapons in a series of operations across the state over the past week.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Udeme, said in a statement on Sunday that the achievements were recorded between June 6 and June 12 through intelligence-led policing, proactive patrols, and collaborative security operations.
Officers from Gbeji Division, working with Community Volunteer Guards, responded to reports of armed bandits operating along the Vaase-Chito Road in Ukum Local Government Area. The suspects engaged security forces in a gun duel, during which three of the bandits were neutralised. Udeme said one AK-47 rifle, 21 rounds of live ammunition, and a motorcycle were recovered. Other gang members escaped with gunshot wounds and are being trailed.
In Makurdi, operatives of the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) arrested a suspect found with a locally fabricated revolver pistol and six rounds of live ammunition. Investigations are ongoing to determine his criminal connections.
At Gyemu Settlement in Guma Local Government Area, officers attached to Daudu Division raided a criminal hideout and arrested a suspected cultist linked to the notorious Red Skin Cult Group. Criminal charms were recovered from the suspect, who reportedly confessed to cult-related activities.
Operatives of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force arrested a suspected leader of an armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate in Gboko Local Government Area. A locally fabricated firearm, five rounds of live ammunition, and criminal charms were recovered. Udeme said the suspect was taken to the hospital for treatment after sustaining injuries during an attempted mob attack.
In Okpokwu Local Government Area, officers foiled a robbery attempt at an NYSC Corps Members’ Lodge in Ugwu Okpoga. One suspect was arrested while other gang members fled. The swift police response prevented the robbery and ensured the safety of residents.
Udeme said the command recovered a total of two locally fabricated firearms, one AK-47 rifle, 32 rounds of live ammunition, one motorcycle, and various criminal charms during the period under review.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the officers for their professionalism, courage, and dedication to duty. He reaffirmed the command's commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
Benue State has faced persistent insecurity from armed bandits, cult groups, and criminal syndicates, particularly in rural areas. The police have intensified patrols and intelligence-led operations in recent months to curb the violence.