Air Delivered event in Nigeria on Sun 22nd March 2026

Police air, ground forces raid bandits’ hideouts in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama 

The police air component, in collaboration with ground forces, has conducted an aerial clearance operation on bandits’ hideouts in the Sankera axis of Benue State.

Security sources said the operation, carried out on March 22 between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., involved coordinated efforts by the Area Command in Katsina-Ala, Divisional Patrol Teams, Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel, Operation Zenda Joint Task Force, and members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards.

During the operation, a police helicopter engaged several identified hideouts, leading to the decimation of suspected bandits, while ground forces inflicted additional damage on fleeing elements.

Although the exact number of casualties could not be immediately ascertained, authorities said the impact of the operation on criminal networks in the area was significant.

Security agencies assured that follow-up operations would continue to sustain pressure on bandits and restore normalcy in affected communities.