The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a notorious bandit during a gun battle with police operatives in Ukum Local Government Area of the state following a foiled kidnapping operation.
A statement on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet revealed that the said incident occurred on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at about 11:43 a.m., after the command received credible intelligence that a group of armed bandits had been sighted around Channel Two, Zaki-Biam, with plans to abduct a hotelier in the area.
Acting on the intelligence, she said operatives attached to the Ukum Division were immediately deployed to the location.
The statement said the bandits opened fire on the patrol team upon sighting them, prompting a gun duel.
“The police responded with superior firepower, during which one of the bandits sustained fatal gunshot injuries.
Items recovered from the suspect included a locally fabricated Beretta pistol, two rounds of live 9mm ammunition, and a bag containing charms. The injured suspect was rushed to the General Hospital in Zaki-Biam, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.’The statement read in part
The PPRO said tthe deceased was later identified as Terkaa Samuel, a male, described as a notorious bandit from Jandekyula in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The police said additional patrol and tactical teams have been deployed to the surrounding areas to track down other bandits who escaped during the encounter, some of whom may have sustained gunshot wounds.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation earlier the same day, operatives of the Jato-Aka Division responded to a violent clash between two rival cult groups, identified as Red and Black, which left two persons dead and several others injured.
Eight suspects were arrested in connection with the cult-related violence, while items recovered include a locally fabricated pistol, an expended cartridge, two axes, and two machetes.
The injured victims were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, reassured residents of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
He urged members of the public to continue to provide timely response and credible information to support crime prevention and detection efforts.
Editor: Ken Eseni
