Police kill 2 bandits after gun battle, recover weapons in Benue

In a shootout with the police at Tse Uza, Mbatyula Council Ward, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, two bandits who were terrorising the Sankera axis of Benue North East District have been killed.

The bandits were slain by police operatives who invaded their camp based on credible intelligence.

According to Superintendent Catherine Anene, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, the police were able to confiscate a variety of items, including camouflage uniforms, arms, ammunition, motorcycles, communication devices, and other items, from the bandits.

The statement highlighted the continuous efforts of the Benue State Police Command over the past three months to clamp down on bandits in the region. Several operations have led to arrests, court charges, neutralization of suspects in shootouts, and the recovery of arms and ammunition.

During the June 30 operation, the police’s Operation Zenda JTF unit engaged the bandits in a gunfight, resulting in the deaths of two bandits, who succumbed to gunshot injuries and were later confirmed dead by a doctor. Their bodies have been deposited at the General Hospital Ukum. Other suspects managed to escape.

Recovered items include two pistols loaded with ammunition, three locally made short guns, 13 motorcycles, camouflage uniforms, six walkie-talkies, a Toyota Corolla, and a tricycle.

The Commissioner of Police, Hassan Yabanet, commended the bravery of the officers and urged the people of Sankera to provide information about the escaped suspects, who may have gunshot injuries. He reiterated his commitment to fighting crime in the state.