Police confirm death of officer, 12 bandits, arrest of 37 suspects in Benue

From Scholastica Hir Makurdi

The Commissioner of Police Benue State Police Command, CP Steve Yabanet has confirmed the death of one of their officers and 12 bandits in the state.

Benue  state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Catherine Anene, said the officer was killed when bandits ambushed the officers during an operation in Buruku Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The statement said, “On March 6,2026,  Commissioner of Police, Benue state command, 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 March 19,while some of the operatives were on their way to a criminal hideout at Agwabi, Tombo ward, Buruku LGA, they ran into an ambush laid by the bandit who engaged the police in a fierce gun duel.”

The Commissioner explained that 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.”

He disclosed that three AK-47 rifles, six rounds of live ammunition, camouflage uniforms and assorted charms were recovered from them.

He said that  unfortunately a member  of the police team, Inspector Terfa Anyiatse, sustained a gunshot injury and was eventually confirmed dead by a doctor. His corpse has also been deposited at the morgue.

While commiserating with family  and friends of the  deceased officer, the CP 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.

He said investigation was ongoing, warning that the state would be too hot for criminal elements.