crime

12 bandits, one police officer killed in gunfight in Benue State

Published

2 years ago

March 20, 2025

A gunfight in Benue State leaves 12 bandits dead and one police officer, Inspector Terfa Anyiatse, confirmed dead following an ambush in Buruku

The police in Benue State have confirmed the deaths of 12 bandits and one police officer, Inspector Terfa Anyiatse, in a violent encounter that took place in Buruku Local Government Area on March 19, 2025. The incident occurred during an ongoing security operation led by the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force.

According to a statement issued by the police spokesperson for the state, Catherine Anene, the operation was targeting criminal hideouts when the officers were ambushed by the bandits in the early hours of the morning.

“At about 0200hrs, while some operatives were heading to a criminal hideout at Agwabi, Tombo ward, Buruku Local Government Area, they ran into an ambush laid by the bandits. A fierce gun battle ensued,” the statement said.

The police were able to respond to the ambush with superior firepower, eventually overpowering the bandits. The statement confirmed that 12 bandits were neutralised during the crossfire, while others managed to flee the scene. The wounded bandits were taken to the hospital, where they were later confirmed dead.

Items recovered from the scene of the encounter included three AK-47 rifles, six rounds of live ammunition, camouflage uniforms, and various charms.

Regrettably, during the gunfight, one of the police officers, Inspector Terfa Anyiatse, sustained a gunshot wound and was confirmed dead by medical personnel. His body has since been deposited at the morgue.

This tragic incident adds to the ongoing security challenges faced by the region as the authorities continue to combat banditry and criminal activities.

Related Topics:Bandits Benue crime featured Gunfight Operation Zenda Police Officer Killed

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crime

Police Arrest Convicted Drug Dealer, Rescue 14-Year-Old Boy in Bauchi

Published

6 hours ago

October 27, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Bauchi drug dealer arrest leads to the rescue of a 14-year-old boy allegedly used as a drug courier and the recovery of suspected illicit substances

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old convicted drug dealer and rescued a 14-year-old boy who was allegedly being used to deliver illicit drugs in the state.

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The command said operatives of its Violent Crimes Response Unit intercepted the teenager during a routine patrol and recovered a granular whitish substance suspected to be methamphetamine.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

According to Habib, the operatives, led by the unit’s officer-in-charge, intercepted the minor, identified as Samuel Nkemakolan Kosi, at about 11 am on October 26, 2026, while he was allegedly on his way to deliver the suspected drug, also known as Ice, to a customer.

The statement said the teenager told investigators that he had been sent by Samuel Ogochukwu, a 22-year-old convicted drug dealer, to make the delivery.

“Upon interrogation, the minor confessed that he was sent by one Samuel Ogochukwu, 22 years old, a convicted drug dealer, to make the delivery,” Habib said.

Following the information, detectives traced Ogochukwu to his location and arrested him.

A search of the suspect’s shop and residence reportedly led to the recovery of 3.5 grammes of a substance suspected to be methamphetamine, 17 sachets of 100mg tramadol capsules, five sachets of 300mg pregabalin capsules and seven sachets of diazepam.

The police also recovered 12 Exol tablets, two wraps of a substance known as Yellow Boys and one sachet of Shine Shine Leather.

Habib said the principal suspect told investigators that he received supplies of illicit drugs through waybills from Onitsha, Anambra State.

The police spokesman added that the 14-year-old had been handled in accordance with juvenile best practices and would be reunited with his family after counselling.

“The 14-year-old minor has been handled in line with juvenile best practices and will be reunited with his family after counselling, while the principal suspect will be charged to court upon completion of investigation,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the operatives for their work and urged the public to remain alert to criminal activity.

According to Habib, the commissioner said four major drug busts and subsequent convictions recorded within 10 days demonstrated the command’s continued efforts to combat drug trafficking.