Two notorious bandits in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State have been neutralised by the Police Command, with arms also being recovered.
The State’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, released a statement on Wednesday in Makurdi providing details of the operation.
The statement indicated that the Police Command received information about bandits regrouping at De-Mtsa village, Katsina-Ala, prompting immediate action.
A team from Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF), under the leadership of ASP Felix Nomiyugh, swiftly moved in and engaged the bandits in a heavy gun battle, resulting in the neutralisation of two of them.
On March 27, upon reaching the scene, the bandits exchanged gunfire with the police but were overpowered by the superior firepower of the operatives.
Two bandits were fatally shot and succumbed to their injuries in the hospital, while one was arrested and others with injuries managed to escape, but are currently being pursued by the authorities.
Among the items recovered at the scene were a type 06 Rifle, three AK-47 magazines loaded with 7.6mm ammunition, 80 other ammunition, camouflage uniforms, and assorted phones, according to the spokesman.
Commending the officers for their bravery, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Emmanuel Adesina, urged them to consistently confront criminals directly.
He also called on the people of the state to provide the Police with valuable and timely information to aid in combating crime.
It was reported that the neutralised individuals were associated with the gang leader, Terwase Akwaza, also known as Ghana, who was eliminated in a previous operation.
Prior to their demise, the gang members, led by Ghana, instilled fear in Abaji, Tor Donga, and neighboring villages in Katsina-Ala.
For over a decade, Katsina-Ala, Logo, and Ukum LGAs have been grappling with incessant bandit activities, and despite the joint security efforts in the area and the death of Ghana, the situation remains unresolved.