Police kill three suspected armed robbers in Benue
SKAiF NewsNG SNN
As part of efforts to reduce crime in the state, the police have killed three suspected armed robbers during a gun battle in a series of operations carried out across Benue State within one week.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Udeme, in a statement on Sunday, noted that the command also recovered an AK-47 rifle, two locally fabricated guns and dozens of live ammunition during the operations.
The statement further added that the successes were recorded between June 6 and 12, 2026, through intelligence-led policing, proactive patrols and joint security operations aimed at tackling armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping and cultism.
The statement further added that the biggest breakthrough came along the Vaase-Chito Road in Ukum Local Government Area, where operatives of Gbeji Division, working with members of the Community Volunteer Guards, engaged suspected armed bandits in a fierce gun battle after receiving reports of their activities in the area.
It further added that three of the suspects were killed during the exchange of fire, while others escaped on motorcycles with gunshot wounds and are currently being tracked.
She said the operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle, 21 rounds of live ammunition and a motorcycle from the scene.
Udeme added that in Makurdi, operatives of the Violent Crimes Response Unit arrested a suspect allegedly found with a locally fabricated revolver pistol and six rounds of live ammunition, noting that investigations were ongoing to establish other criminal links connected to the suspect.
The police spokesperson explained that operatives of the command also raided a criminal hideout at Gyemu Settlement in Guma Local Government Area following credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of a suspected member of the notorious Red Skin cult group, adding that criminal charms were recovered from the suspect, who reportedly confessed to cult-related activities.
