Police operatives in Benue State gunned down three suspected armed robbers during intense firefights last week. The killings occurred as officers intensified operations against robbery, banditry, kidnapping and cult activities across the state.
DSP Udeme, the police spokesman, made the disclosure in a statement released on Sunday. She said the breakthroughs came between June 6 and June 12, 2026.
Intelligence-led policing and proactive patrols drove the successes, Udeme explained. Joint security operations with community groups also played a crucial role, according to her.
The most significant encounter happened along Vaase-Chito Road in Ukum Local Government Area. Officers from Gbeji Division, working with Community Volunteer Guards, clashed with suspected bandits after receiving reports of criminal activity.
Three suspects fell during the exchange of fire. Others managed to escape on motorcycles despite suffering gunshot injuries and remain under pursuit.
Police recovered one AK-47 rifle, 21 rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle from that scene. Udeme noted that officers are still tracking the fleeing suspects.
In separate operations within Makurdi, officers from the Violent Crimes Response Unit arrested a man carrying a locally made revolver pistol. Six rounds of ammunition were also seized from him.
Investigators are now working to establish whether he has links to other criminal networks. Udeme said the probe is still ongoing.
A raid on Gyemu Settlement in Guma LGA yielded another arrest. Operatives nabbed a suspected member of the Red Skin cult group.
Criminal charms were recovered from the detainee. He has reportedly confessed to involvement in cult activities.
Operation Zenda Joint Task Force personnel arrested an alleged armed robbery and kidnapping ring leader in Gboko. A locally fabricated firearm, five rounds of ammunition and charms were taken from him.
The suspect received hospital treatment for injuries sustained during an attempted mob attack. Officers had apprehended him despite the violent resistance.
Officers attached to Okpokwu Division also prevented a robbery attempt at an NYSC lodge in Ugwu Okpoga. One suspect was arrested while accomplices scattered.
Across all operations, police recovered two locally made firearms alongside one AK-47 rifle. They also seized 32 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle and several criminal charms.
Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu commended the officers for their professionalism and courage. He pledged the command's continued commitment to combating crime in the state.
