By Amos Aar
A TEAM of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) led by its commander, Superintendent of Police (SP) Felix Nomiyugh, on Wednesday subdued bandits in Katsina-Ala local government area of Benue state in a gun duel, killing two and arresting one of them.
Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent of Police (SP) Sewuese Anene, who confirmed the operation in a statement on Wednesday, said the men of the Operation Zenda were deployed to Mba-Mtsar Village in Katsina-Ala LGA following tip off about regrouping of bandits in the area suspected to be remnants of terrorist kingpin, Terwase Akwaza a.k.a Gana who was killed by Nigerian soldiers three years ago.
She said upon arrival at the scene on March 27, 2024 “at about 0515hrs, the bandits engaged the police in a gun duel but a superior fire power from the operatives dislodged them”.
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“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 being trailed by the operatives.
“Exhibits recovered from the scene include; one (1) Type 06 rifle, three (3) AK-47 magazines loaded with 7.6mm ammunition, eighty (80) other ammunition, camouflage uniforms and assorted phones.
“The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP. Emmanuel Adesina, who commended the team for bravery urged them to keep up the good work as taking the war to criminals is a better approach to fight crime. He calls the good people of the state to support the police with useful and timely information”, Anene said.
A source from Katsina-Ala who pleaded anonymity told National Record in Makurdi that there was jubilation at Takum Junction, Katsina-Ala, headquarters of Katsina-Ala local government area following the killing and arrest of notorious bandits from the area as according to him, they haf been terrorizing community members boldly either by kidnapping, robbing or even imposing traditional rulers on the people.
Katsina-Ala and Ukum LGAs from Sankera axis particularly have been under the pangs of bandits for over a decade in spite of joint security operations in the area.
The new Operation Zenda’s Commander, SP Felix Nomiyugh, had on assumption of office warned that no criminal operating in Benue State will be spared.
