Operatives of the Operation Zenda Tactical Team of the Benue State Police Command have killed four bandits and successfully repelled an attack on its men during a routine patrol in Orakam, Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to a press release signed by the PPRO Benue State Command, DSP Udeme Edet, on 29 January 2026 at about 5:00pm, 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. 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 the following exhibits from the scene: one (1) AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing fifteen (15) rounds of live ammunition, one (1) black Golf 3 vehicle, and items suspected to be assorted criminal charms. Efforts are currently ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing armed suspect, while investigations continue.
The release further stated that the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari, highly commends the bravery and operational effectiveness of the officers involved and reassures the public of the Command’s unwavering resolve to confront armed criminality and safeguard lives and property across the state. He appealed to members of the public to remain law-abiding and to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information that will aid ongoing security operations in the state.
