The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the death of a police officer and 12 suspected bandits following a fierce gunfight in Bụrụku Local Government Area.
In a statement issued in Makurdi, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, said the incident occurred on March 19, 2025, during a security operation.
According to Anene, the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Steve H. Yabanet, had earlier directed tactical commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to intensify efforts against criminal activities after noticing a resurgence of gang operations in the state.
“In line with these directives, the Operation Zenda Joint Taskforce launched a series of raids. On March 19, 2025, around 2:00 a.m., operatives en route to a criminal hideout in Agwabi, Tombo Ward, Bụrụku LGA, were ambushed by armed bandits.
“In the ensuing gun duel, the police overpowered the attackers with superior firepower, neutralizing 12 bandits while others managed to escape. The injured suspects were taken to a hospital, where they were confirmed dead,” the statement read.
Recovered from the suspects were three AK-47 rifles, six rounds of ammunition, camouflage uniforms, and assorted charms.
However, the police suffered a casualty, as Inspector Terfa Anyiatse sustained a gunshot wound and was later confirmed dead by doctors. His body has been deposited at the morgue.
While expressing condolences to the officer’s family and colleagues, the Commissioner of Police praised the operatives for their bravery in the operation.
The statement also noted that similar raids in Daudu and Makurdi resulted in the recovery of seven locally made pistols and the arrest of five suspected robbers and 32 suspected cultists.
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