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, Udeme Edet, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.
Edet said operatives of the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force neutralised the suspects on Thursday while repelling an armed attack during a routine stop-and-search operation.
According to the statement, the operatives were on duty at a police checkpoint in Orokam when they intercepted a black Golf 3 vehicle.
She said, “On 29 January 2026 at about 1700 hours, operatives of Operation Zenda JTF were on lawful stop-and-search duty at a police checkpoint in Orakam when they intercepted a black Golf 3 vehicle.”
Edet explained that during the course of the search, occupants of the vehicle violently resisted the operatives.
“In a desperate attempt 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.
“As a result of the engagement, four armed bandits were neutralised, while one armed suspect fled into a nearby bush,” the statement read.
Items recovered from the scene included an AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing 15 rounds of live ammunition, the vehicle used by the suspects and items believed to be criminal charms.
The police spokesperson said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspect, while investigations continued.
She added that the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, commended the officers for their bravery and professionalism and reassured residents of the command’s commitment to tackling armed criminality in the state.
Emenari also urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and continue to support security agencies with credible information.
Emenari also urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and continue to support security agencies with credible information.
In August 2025, a joint security team from Benue and Enugu states arrested a suspected kidnap gang leader in Orokam.
