The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the killing of four suspected bandits during a security operation in Orokam, Ogbadibo Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, saying the suspects were neutralised by operatives of the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) on Thursday.
According to the statement, the operatives were conducting a routine stop-and-search operation at a police checkpoint in Orokam when they intercepted a black Golf 3 vehicle at about 5:00 p.m. on January 29, 2026.
Edet said the occupants of the vehicle violently resisted the officers during the search and, in a bid to evade arrest, two of the suspects produced AK-47 rifles and opened fire on the police personnel.
“The operatives, displaying remarkable courage, tactical competence and professionalism, responded decisively, leading to a gun duel,” she said.
“As a result of the engagement, four armed bandits were neutralised, while one armed suspect escaped into a nearby bush.”
Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 15 rounds of live ammunition, the suspects’ vehicle and items believed to be criminal charms.
The police spokesperson said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspect, while investigations into the incident continued.
She added that the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ifeanyi Emenari, commended the operatives for their bravery and professionalism, and reassured residents of the command’s commitment to combating armed criminality across the state.
Emenari also urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.
