The Benue State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of security operations carried out by its operatives in parts of the state, which led to the neutralisation of a notorious bandit, the arrest of suspected cultists, and the recovery of arms and dangerous weapons.
On Wednesday, 7th January 2026, at about 10:30 hours, operatives attached to Jato-Aka Division responded to a violent clash between rival cult groups known as Red and Black. The clash resulted in the death of two male persons, while other victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment. During the operation, the following suspects were arrested in connection with the incident: Mvaater Adebo ‘M’, Pineter Akurayati ‘M’, Daniel Ese’M’, Samuel Kwaghzer’M’, Isaac Iorapul’M’, Terungwa Tertese’M’, Aondonenge Aper’M’, and Ternenge Aondokura’M’.
During the operation, the following items were recovered:
One (1) locally fabricated pistol
One (1) expended cartridge
Two (2) axes
Two (2) machetes
Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects involved in the cult-related violence.
In a related development on the same date, Wednesday, 7th January 2026, at about 11:43 hours, credible intelligence was received indicating that a group of armed bandits had been sighted around Channel Two, Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area, with plans to kidnap a hotelier within the area.
Acting swiftly on the information, a patrol team attached to Ukum Division was immediately deployed to the location. Upon sighting the police operatives, the bandits opened fire. The patrol team responded with superior firepower, during which one of the bandits sustained fatal gunshot injuries.
During the operation, the following items were recovered from the suspect:
One (1) locally fabricated Beretta pistol
Two (2) rounds of live 9mm ammunition
One (1) bag containing charms
The injured bandit was rushed to General Hospital, Zaki-Biam, where he was confirmed dead by the attending medical doctor. The deceased was later identified as Terkaa Samuel ‘M’, a notorious bandit from Jandekyula, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Meanwhile, additional patrol and tactical teams have been deployed to the surrounding areas to trace and arrest the fleeing bandits who escaped with possible gunshot injuries. The operation is ongoing, and further updates will be communicated as developments unfold.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, PhD, psc, mnips, reassures the good people of Benue State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property. Members of the public are encouraged to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information that can aid crime prevention and detection.
DSP Udeme Edet
Police Public Relations Officer
Benue State Police Command
8th January 2026
