Bandits and Police Inspector Killed in Benue Gun Duel

Deadly Gun Duel in Benue: 11 Bandits and Inspector Killed

On the night of Tuesday, March 18, 2025, operatives from the Benue State Joint Security Taskforce, known as Operation Zenda, engaged in a prolonged gun battle with suspected militia members in the border area between Buruku and Ushongo Local Government Areas of Benue State. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of 11 suspected bandits and the loss of a police officer, identified as Inspector Terfa Barnabas Anyiatse.

The incident began when Operation Zenda received a distress call from locals about an ongoing militia attack. Upon arrival at the scene, the operatives were met with gunfire from the suspects. Despite the loss of their unit commander, the security forces overpowered the assailants, neutralizing 11 of them during the encounter, which lasted over 12 hours.

The bodies of the deceased, including that of Inspector Anyiatse, have been transported to a morgue in Makurdi, the state capital. The Benue State Police Command’s spokesperson, CSP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident and stated that further details would be provided as investigations continue.