Police foil robbery attack, kill three suspected criminals in Benue

Operatives of the Benue State Police Command have successfully thwarted a suspected armed robbery operation and killed three alleged robbers during a fierce gunfight along the Vaase–Chito Road in Ukum Local Government Area.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 2:48 a.m. on June 8 after the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Gbeji Division received reports that armed men believed to be bandits were attacking travelers and robbing them of their belongings on the route.

Following the intelligence, the DPO mobilised a patrol team alongside members of the Community Volunteer Guards and proceeded to the area.

According to the sources, the armed suspects opened fire immediately they sighted the approaching security operatives, triggering a gun battle.

The combined security team responded with superior firepower, leading to the neutralisation of three suspects. Some of the deceased were reportedly wearing military camouflage uniforms.

Several other members of the gang fled the scene on motorcycles, with security sources suspecting that some escaped with gunshot injuries.

During the operation, security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle, 21 rounds of live ammunition, and a motorcycle.

The recovered items have been secured by the police as exhibits for further investigation.

The remains of the deceased suspects were later evacuated to the Gbeji Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem examination.

Police authorities disclosed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation, while efforts continue to track down and arrest the fleeing gang members.

The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to tackle armed robbery, banditry, and other violent crimes across Benue State.