Police operatives in Benue have killed 12 suspected bandits terrorising the Buruku Local Government Area of the state.
The spokesperson for the state police command, Sewuese Anene, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Makurdi.
She, however, expressed regret that a police officer, Insp. Terfa Anyiatse, died during a gun duel with the bandits.
The spokesperson said: “The Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, on March 6 ordered tactical commanders and divisional police officers to clamp down on criminals in the state.
“The order became necessary when the command noticed a regrouping of criminal gangs.
“Following the directives, the Operation Zenda Joint Taskforce embarked on raids across the state.
“On March 19, while some of the operatives were on their way to a criminal hideout at Agwabi, Tombo Ward, Buruku LGA, they ran into an ambush laid by the bandits who engaged the police in a fierce gun duel.
“The police countered the ambush with superior firepower that subdued the gang.
“At the end of the crossfire, 12 bandits were neutralised while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
“The bandits were taken to a hospital where they were confirmed dead and the corpses were deposited at the hospital mortuary.
“Items recovered from them include three AK-47 rifles, six rounds of live ammunition, camouflage uniforms, and assorted charms.
“Unfortunately, one of the police team members, Insp. Terfa Anyiatse sustained a gunshot injury and was eventually confirmed dead by a doctor. His corpse has also been deposited at the morgue.”