Benue: Police repel attack at checkpoint, neutralise four bandits, recover firearms

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

Officers of the Benue State Police Command have repelled an armed attack at a checkpoint at Orokam, Ogbadibo Local Government Area (LGA) of the state and neutralised four armed bandits during a routine security operation.

A statement signed by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, said operatives of the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF), Benue State, carried out the successful operation.

The command said: “On 29 January 2026 at about 1700 hours, operatives of Operation Zenda JTF were on lawful stop-and-search duty at a police checkpoint in Orakam when they intercepted a black Golf 3 vehicle.

“During the course of the search, occupants of the vehicle violently resisted the operatives. In a desperate attempt to evade arrest, two of the suspects produced AK-47 rifles and opened fire on the police personnel.

“The operatives, displaying remarkable courage, tactical competence and professionalism, responded decisively, leading to a gun duel.

“As a result of the engagement, four armed bandits were neutralised, while one armed suspect fled into a nearby bush.

According to the statement, the operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle magazine containing 15 rounds of live ammunition one black Golf 3 vehicle, and items suspected to be assorted criminal charms while efforts are currently on-going to track and arrest the fleeing armed suspect, while investigations continue.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Ifeanyi Emenari has commended the bravery and operational effectiveness of the officers involved and reassured the public of the Command’s unwavering resolve to confront armed criminality and safeguard lives and property across the state.

Members of the public are encouraged to remain law-abiding and to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information that will aid on-going security operations.