Benue State Police command has confirmed that four armed bandits were neutralised during a routine checkpoint operation in Orakam on Thursday, 29 January, 2026.
DSP Udeme Edet, Police Public Relations Officer, 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.
“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.”
He added, “As a result of the engagement, four armed bandits were neutralised, while one armed suspect fled into a nearby bush.
“Following the operation, the operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing fifteen rounds of live ammunition, one black Golf 3 vehicle, and items suspected to be assorted criminal charms.
“Efforts are ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing suspect, while investigations continue.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, commended the bravery and operational effectiveness of the officers involved, stating, “We remain committed to confronting armed criminality and safeguarding lives and property across the state.”
The police urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and continue providing timely and credible information to aid security operations.
