Police kill three suspected armed robbers in Benue

As part of its campaign to curb crime in the state, police eliminated three suspected armed robbers during a gun battle in a series of operations carried out across Benue State within a single week.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Udeme, speaking on Sunday, said the command also seized an AK‑47 rifle, two locally manufactured guns and dozens of live rounds during the operations.

The statement added that the successes were achieved between 6 and 12 June 2026 through intelligence‑driven policing, proactive patrols and joint security operations aimed at tackling armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping and cultism.

According to the statement, the most significant breakthrough occurred along Vaase‑Chito Road in Ukum Local Government Area, where operatives from Gbeji Division, working with members of the Community Volunteer Guards, engaged suspected armed bandits in a fierce gun battle after receiving reports of their activities in the area.

Three of the suspects were killed during the exchange of fire, while others escaped on motorcycles with gunshot wounds and are currently being tracked.

She noted that operatives recovered one AK‑47 rifle, 21 rounds of live ammunition and a motorcycle from the scene.

Udeme added that in Makurdi, operatives from the Violent Crimes Response Unit arrested a suspect allegedly found with a locally manufactured revolver pistol and six rounds of live ammunition, noting that investigations were ongoing to establish other criminal links connected to the suspect.

The police spokesperson explained that operatives of the command also raided a criminal hideout at Gyemu Settlement in Guma Local Government Area following credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of a suspected member of the notorious Red Skin cult group. Criminal charms were recovered from the suspect, who reportedly confessed to cult‑related activities.