The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the killing of four suspected bandits during a security operation in Orokam, Ogbadibo Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, Udeme Edet, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, explaining that the suspects were neutralised by operatives of the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force during a stop-and-search operation.
According to Edet, the operatives were on duty at a police checkpoint in Orokam on Thursday when they intercepted a black Golf 3 vehicle.
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She said the occupants of the vehicle resisted the search and, in an attempt to escape arrest, two of the suspects produced AK-47 rifles and opened fire on the officers.
Edet noted that the operatives responded, leading to a gun duel in which four of the armed suspects were killed, while one escaped into a nearby bush.
Items recovered from the scene included an AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 15 rounds of live ammunition, the vehicle used by the suspects and items suspected to be charms.
She added that efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspect, while investigations continued.
The Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, commended the operatives for their bravery and professionalism and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information.