Heavy Gun Battle in Benue: Two Notorious Bandits Shot Dead

In a decisive blow against criminal elements, the Police Command in Benue State has announced the neutralization of two notorious bandits in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area (LGA), accompanied by the recovery of a cache of arms.

According to a statement released on Wednesday in Makurdi by the State’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, the operation was prompted by intelligence indicating the regrouping of bandits in De-Mtsa village, Kastina-Ala, for nefarious activities.

Responding swiftly to the tip-off, a team from Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF), under the command of ASP Felix Nomiyugh, launched a raid on the area, engaging the bandits in a heavy exchange of gunfire. The superior firepower of the operatives resulted in the neutralization of two bandits, with one apprehended and others fleeing with injuries, currently being pursued by law enforcement.

Items recovered from the scene included one type 06 Rifle, three AK-47 magazines loaded with 7.6mm ammunition, 80 other rounds of ammunition, camouflage uniforms, and assorted phones.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Adesina, commended the bravery of the officers involved and urged them to maintain pressure on criminal elements. He also called on citizens to continue providing valuable information to the police.

It has been reported that the neutralized individuals were members of the infamous “killed” gang leader, Terwase Akwaza, also known as Ghana, who had previously been eliminated in a similar operation. Before their demise, the gang had wreaked havoc in Abaji, Tor Donga, and neighboring villages in Katsina-Ala.

Despite concerted security efforts and the elimination of key figures like Gana, Katsina-Ala, Logo, and Ukum LGAs continue to grapple with persistent banditry, highlighting the ongoing challenges in the state.