The police in Benue State have confirmed the death of an officer and 12 bandits during a fierce gun duel in Bụrụku Local Government Area of the state.

The police spokesperson in the state, CSP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to journalists in Makurdi.

“On 6/3/2025 the Commissioner of Police, Benue state command, CP. Steve H. Yabanet, had ordered Tactical commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to clamp down on criminals in the state during the usual monthly conference as he had noticed a regrouping of criminal gangs .

“In line with this directives, the Operation Zenda Joint Taskforce embarked on raids across the state. On 19/3/2025 at about 0200hrs, while some of the operatives were on their way to a criminal hideout at Agwabi, Tombo ward, Buruku Local Government Area, they ran into an ambush laid by the bandit who engaged the police in a fierce gun duel.

“In response, the police countered the ambush with a more superior fire power that subdued the gang. At the end of the cross fire, twelve (12) bandits were neutralised while others escaped.

“The injured bandits were taken to the hospital were they were confirmed dead and deposited at the hospital morgue. Items recovered from them include; three (3) AK-47 rifles, six rounds of ammunition, camouflage uniforms and assorted charms.

“Unfortunately, one of the police team members; Inspector Terfa Anyiatse sustained a gunshot injury and was eventually confirmed dead by a doctor. His corpse has also been deposited at the morgue.

“While commiserating with family and friends of the deceased officer, the CP prayed for the repose of his soul. He also extollerld the courage of the operatives involved in the operation,” she disclosed.

She added that a similar operation carried out around Daudu and Makurdi by various Divisions led to the recovery of seven (7) locally made pistols, arrest of five (5) suspected robbers and thirty two (32) suspected cultists.

Anene further said that investigation was ongoing.

Police confirm death of operative, suspected bandits in Benue