By EMMANUEL ANTSWENA

The Police Command in Benue says it has neutralised three suspected armed bandits and recovered firearms and ammunition across the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Edet Udeme, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Makurdi.

Udeme said the achievements were recorded between June 6 and June 12 through intelligence-led policing, proactive patrols and collaborative security operations.

She said officers of Gbeji Division in collaboration with members of the Community Volunteer Guards, responded to reports of armed bandits operating along the Vaase-Chito Road in Ukum Local Government Area.

She said the suspects engaged security personnel in a gun duel, during which three of the bandits were neutralised.

According to her, one AK-47 rifle, 21 rounds of live ammunition and a motorcycle were recovered from the suspects.

She added that other members of the gang escaped with gunshot wounds and were being trailed by security operatives.

Edet further said that operatives of the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) in Makurdi also arrested a suspect found in possession of a locally fabricated revolver pistol and six rounds of live ammunition.

The PPRO stated that investigations were ongoing to establish the suspect’s criminal connections.

The police spokesperson also said operatives attached to Daudu Division, acting on credible intelligence, raided a criminal hideout at Gyemu Settlement in Guma Local Government Area and arrested a suspected cultist linked to the notorious Red Skin Cult Group.

She stated that criminal charms were recovered from the suspect, who reportedly confessed to cult-related activities.

The PPRO also revealed that operatives of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force arrested a suspected leader of an armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate in Gboko Local Government Area.

She said a locally fabricated firearm, five rounds of live ammunition and criminal charms were recovered from the suspect.

“The suspect was taken to hospital for treatment after sustaining injuries during an attempted mob attack,” she said.

In another operation, Edet said officers attached to Okpokwu Division foiled a robbery attempt at an NYSC Corps Members’ Lodge in Ugwu Okpoga, Okpokwu Local Government Area.

She said one suspect was arrested while other members of the gang fled the scene, adding that the swift police response prevented the robbery and ensured the safety of residents.

The spokesperson said the command recovered two locally fabricated firearms, one AK-47 rifle, 32 rounds of live ammunition, one motorcycle and various criminal charms during the period under review.

She quoted the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, as commending officers involved in the operations for their professionalism, courage and dedication to duty.

Nwadiogbu reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

He assured that the command remained resolute in maintaining law and order and ensuring a secure environment for all residents of the state. (NAN)