The Police Command in Benue says it has neutralised three suspected armed bandits and recovered firearms and ammunition across the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Edet Udeme, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Makurdi.
Udeme said the achievements were recorded between June 6 and June 12 through intelligence-led policing, proactive patrols and collaborative security operations.
She said officers of Gbeji Division, in collaboration with members of the Community Volunteer Guards, responded to reports of armed bandits operating along the Vaase-Chito Road in Ukum Local Government Area.
She said the suspects engaged security personnel in a gun duel, during which three of the bandits were neutralised.
According to her, one AK-47 rifle, 21 rounds of live ammunition and a motorcycle were recovered from the suspects.
She added that other members of the gang escaped with gunshot wounds and were being trailed by security operatives.
The PPRO also revealed that operatives of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force arrested a suspected leader of an armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate in Gboko Local Government Area.
She said a locally fabricated firearm, five rounds of live ammunition and criminal charms were recovered from the suspect.
“The suspect was taken to the hospital for treatment after sustaining injuries during an attempted mob attack,” she said.
The spokesperson said the command recovered two locally fabricated firearms, one AK-47 rifle, 32 rounds of live ammunition, one motorcycle and various criminal charms during the period under review.
She quoted the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, as commending officers involved in the operations for their professionalism, courage and dedication to duty.
Nwadiogbu reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
