Benue state police foil banditry attempt, apprehend culprits in Katsina-Ala operation

In Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, the Benue State Police Command has eliminated two infamous bandits and uncovered a significant arsenal of weapons.

The state’s police public relations officer, SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed this development in a statement released in Makurdi on Wednesday.

Anene disclosed that the intelligence that led to the operation was that of bandits regrouping for illegal purposes at De-Mtsa village in Katsina-Ala.

Under the leadership of ASP Felix Nomiyugh, Operation Zenda Joint Task Force swiftly conducted a raid, culminating in the elimination of two bandits following an intense gun battle.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the spokesman said, “Upon arrival at the scene, on March 27, the bandits engaged the police in a gun duel, but a superior fire power from the operatives dislodged them. Consequently, two of the bandits sustained gunshot injuries and were confirmed dead at the hospital.

“One was arrested and the others escaped with wounds, but they are currently being trailed by the operatives. Exhibits recovered from the scene include one type 06 rifle, three AK-47 magazines loaded with 7.6mm ammunition, 80 other ammunition, camouflage uniforms and assorted phones.’’

According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, commended the officers for their bravery and urged them to always take the war to the criminals’ doorsteps.

He also urged the state’s people to always provide the police with useful and timely information.

Those killed are members of the dreaded gang leader Terwase Akwaza, also known as Ghana, who was killed in a previous operation.

Before their deaths, the gang members terrorised Abaji, Tor Donga, and other villages in Katsina-Ala.

For more than a decade, Katsina-Ala, Logo, and Ukum LGAs were particularly vulnerable to bandit activities.

Despite the joint security operations in the area and Ghana’s death, respite has yet to return.