4 bandits shot dead in daring attack on Benue security checkpoint

Four intercepted armed bandits have been shot dead by men of the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force in a daring attack on Thursday at a police checkpoint in Orakam, Benue State.

Violence erupted when operatives on lawful stop-and-search duty at a police checkpoint intercepted a black Golf 3 vehicle used by criminal gang unleashed terror on the personnel who repelled the attack.

Spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Command in Benue State, DSP Udeme Edet said in a statement that the incident occurred at about 1700 hours on 29th of January 2026.

“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” during the operation where operatives recovered One (1) AK-47 rifle Magazine containing fifteen (15) rounds of live ammunition.

The operatives also recovered a black Golf 3 vehicle in addition assorted charms suspected to have been used by the hoodlums at the crime scene.