Police operatives in Benue State have thwarted a bandit attack in Ukum Local Government Area, killing a notorious gang leader during a gun duel.
The spokesperson for the state police command, SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday, noting that the incident occurred on Friday afternoon around 1:43 p.m.
According to Anene, the police acted swiftly on credible intelligence that bandits were robbing villagers along the Kendev–Zaki Biam road in Ukum.
Tactical and patrol teams were immediately deployed, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
One of the gang leaders, identified as Awase Ankyunyo, also known as Abi Doka, was critically injured during the shootout and later died in the hospital.
An AK-47 rifle loaded with live rounds was recovered from him, while other gang members reportedly fled with bullet wounds towards the Chito axis.
The Commissioner of Police, Ifenayi Emenary, applauded the operatives for their prompt action and restated the command’s resolve to combat crime and safeguard communities across the state.