Six local bandits terrorizing the Sankara region, which includes Katsina/Ala, Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas have been successfully neutralized by the Benue State Police.
The men responsible for carrying out this operation belonged to Operation Zenda, which is a security task force consisting of individuals from different agencies in the state.
In a statement, Catherine Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer revealed that acting on intelligence reports, the task force raided a bandit camp situated in Mbavuur ward of Logo LGA.
The team engaged in gunfire and successfully eliminated six members of the militia group while others fled. A search is still being carried out for these escaped individuals.
An AK-47 rifle and two homemade short guns loaded with ammunition were seized from the location where the incident occurred. The corpses of the subdued bandits were transported to NKST Ugba mortuary for storage.
Read Also: Banditry Allegations: Zamfara Lawmaker, Officials Detained
A new development arose as a 22-year-old named Tersoo Dabo was apprehended for his involvement in robberies along Makurdi-Lafia road. He admitted to being part of a seven-man crew that carried out the criminal activities within the vicinity.
Following his confession, Martin Akunu -a 37-year-old spiritual leader of their gang- got arrested with items such as a locally made double-barrel gun, suspected local ammunition having 162 balls and some gunpowder found on him.
Usman Hardo, a notorious kidnapper from Keana who had been involved in kidnapping and cattle rustling activities spanning across Nasarawa State and Guma Local Government Area of Benue State was captured by the police patrol team on July 28th, 2024 at Daudu.
The law enforcement authorities are currently undertaking investigations with an aim to apprehend other members associated with this criminal gang.
The people of Benue State were praised by Commissioner of Police Hassan Yabanet for their unwavering support and tenacity in confronting criminal activity. He conveyed the police force’s dedication to eradicating crime within the state, providing assurance to citizens.
