The Benue State Police Command has confirmed that Operation Zenda Joint Taskforce neutralised 12 bandits, but tragically lost one officer during a gunfight.
Following intelligence reports on the regrouping of criminal gangs, Commissioner of Police, CP Steve H. Yabanet, ordered tactical commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to intensify operations against criminal elements across the state.
Acting on this directive, Operation Zenda operatives launched coordinated raids.
“While some of the operatives were on their way to a criminal hideout at Agwabi, Tombo ward, Buruku Local Government Area, of the state they ran into an ambush laid by the bandit who engaged the police in a fierce gun duel.
“In response, the police countered the ambush with a more superior fire power that subdued the gang. At the end of the cross fire, twelve (12) bandits were neutralised while others escaped,” a statement by Police Public Relations officer CSP Anene Sewuese reads.
Injured suspects taken to the hospital were later confirmed dead. Recovered items included three AK-47 rifles, live ammunition, camouflage uniforms, and assorted charms.
Tragically, Inspector Terfa Anyiatse sustained gunshot wounds and was later confirmed dead by medical personnel. His body has been deposited at the morgue.
CP Yabanet expressed condolences to the deceased officer’s family and praised the operatives’ bravery.
Further operations in Daudu and Makurdi led to the recovery of seven locally made pistols and the arrest of five robbery suspects and 32 suspected cultists. Investigations are ongoing.
