Police confirms killing of officer, 12 bandits, arrest of 37 suspects in Benue

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

The Benue State Police Command, on Thursday, confirmed the killing of a police officer attached to the command and  death of 12 bandits in the state.

The The Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Command, CP Steve Yabanet disclosed this in a statement in Makurdi.

The statement  which was signed by the command Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Catherine Anene, the Commissioner explained that the officer was killed when bandits ambushed the officers during an operation in Buruku Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

“On 6/3/2025  the Commissioner of Police, Benue state command, CP. Steve Yabanet had ordered Tactical commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to clamp down on criminals in the state during the usual monthly conference as he had noticed a regrouping of criminal gangs. 

“In line with this directives, the Operation Zenda Joint Taskforce embarked on raids across the state. On 19/3/2025 at about 0200hrs, while some of the operatives were on their way to a criminal hideout at Agwabi, Tombo ward, Buruku Local Government Area, 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, 12 bandits were neutralized while others escaped. The injured bandits were taken to the hospital were they were confirmed dead and deposited at the hospital morgue.

“Three AK-47 rifles, six rounds of live ammunition, camouflage uniforms and assorted charms were recovered from them.

“Unfortunately one of the police team members; Inspector Terfa Anyiatse sustained a gunshot injury and was eventually confirmed dead by a doctor. His corpse has also been deposited at the morgue”, the statement said.

The CP however commiserated with family  and friends of the  deceased officer and  prayed for the repose of his soul. 

He also extolled the courage of the operatives involved in the operation. 

Similarly, CP Yabanet said operations  carried out around Daudu in Guma LGA and Makurdi by various Divisions led to the recovery of seven locally made pistols, arrest of five suspected robbers and 32 suspected cultist, adding that investigation is ongoing.