Men of Operation Zenda, Joint Task Force (JTF), attached to the Benue State Command of the Nigeria Police on Wednesday gunned down two bandits and arrested another after engaging them in a gun duel.
The incident took place following a tip off that the bandits were regrouping at Mba-Mtsar village, Kastina-Ala Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, in furtherance of their criminal activities.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue State Command, SP Sewuese Anene and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Wednesday.
According to the PPRO, during the onslaught on the camp of the bandits on Wednesday afternoon, one Type 06 rifle, three AK-47 magazines loaded with 7.6mm ammunition, 80 other ammunition, camouflage uniforms and assorted phones were recovered from the bandits.
SP Anene said, “Following information gathered about regrouping of bandits at Mba-Mtsar village, Kastina-Ala LGA, for their nefarious activities, a team of Operation Zenda, JTF, was deployed for an operation in the area.
“Upon arrival at the scene, on 27/3/2024 (Wednesday) at about 0515hrs, the bandits engaged the police in a gun duel but a superior fire power from the operatives dislodged them.
“Consequently, two of the bandits sustained gunshot injuries and were confirmed dead at the hospital, one was arrested while others escaped with wounds and are been trailed by the operatives.
“Exhibits recovered from the scene include; one Type 06 rifle, three AK-47 magazines loaded with 7.6mm ammunition, 80 other ammunition, camouflage uniforms and assorted phones.
“The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command CP. Emmanuel Adesina who commended the team for their bravery, urged them to keep up the good work as taking the war to criminals is a better approach to fight crime.”
Therefore, the CP called the people of the state to support the police with useful and timely information, Anene stated.