Police kill three Notorious bandits, recover arms in Benue gun battle

Police kill three Notorious bandits, recover arms in Benue gun battle

By: Zagazola Makama

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Benue have neutralised three notorious bandits and recovered arms following a fierce gun duel in the Sankera axis of the state.

The incident occurred on May 3, 2025, at about 1900hrs, following intelligence that a group of bandits from Shitile and Ukum were holding a clandestine meeting in Sankera to plot attacks on Tactical Teams providing security in the area.

Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the bandits were traced to the Tse-Gondo axis near a forest, where they opened fire on the advancing Surveillance and Tactical Teams.

The operatives swiftly returned fire, leading to a heated exchange in which three of the bandits sustained gunshot wounds. They were rushed to a hospital where they were confirmed dead by medical personnel.

The police recovered two locally fabricated pistols and two live cartridges at the scene.

The operation also led to the injury of several fleeing bandits, including one notorious criminal identified as Baba Gule. Intelligence reports indicate that the group was acting under the command of Konyo Amakaa, a notorious bandit leader from Shitile, who allegedly ordered the attack in retaliation for the death of one Sughnen Ayua.

Ayua, a known gang member, had suffered fatal gunshot wounds on April 29, 2025, during a shootout with Tactical Teams.

The police sources said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network threatening peace in Sankera and surrounding areas.

Police kill three Notorious bandits, recover arms in Benue gun battle