Troops Eliminate Bandits in Benue, Foil Attack in Katsina
Security forces have intensified clearance operations against criminal gangs, neutralising notorious bandits in Benue State and repelling a deadly attack in Katsina State, PRNigeria reports.
In Benue, operatives acting on credible intelligence stormed Ukum Local Government Area on Tuesday afternoon after receiving reports of a criminal gang’s movement along the pipeline axis between Gbeji and Igbongom communities.
According to Zagazola Makama, the gang, led by the notorious bandit Senen Hemen, also known as Orpa, engaged the troops in a fierce gun battle.
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During the exchange, Hemen and another gang member, identified as Mzungweve Ichur of Igbongom, were killed, while others fled with gunshot wounds. Security sources confirmed that the corpses of the two suspects were deposited at a private mortuary in Gbeji, while a manhunt has been launched in nearby bushes to track down the fleeing accomplices.
Similarly, in Katsina State, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, working in synergy with the Police, Community Watch Corps, and local vigilantes, repelled a bandit attack on a hunters’ camp in Naalma village, Malumfashi Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred Tuesday evening, triggered a swift response by security forces, who engaged the bandits in a prolonged gun duel.
One of the assailants was neutralised, and a rifle seized from the hunters was recovered. Unfortunately, the Commander of the Hunters’ group, 35-year-old Usman Lawal, sustained fatal injuries during the confrontation. Other fleeing bandits reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds as troops commenced cordon-and-search operations in the area.
Security sources assured residents that the ongoing operations in Benue and Katsina form part of broader efforts to dismantle violent criminal networks and restore peace across affected communities.
By PRNigeria
