Operatives of the Ebonyi State Police Command have shot dead two suspected hoodlums during a raid on their hideout in Iyonu Community in Ishielu local government area of the state.
Three suspected kidnappers were also arrested in a foiled kidnap attempt.
A statement by the state PPRO, SP Joshua Ukandu, said that the hoodlums were shot dead following the command’s continued sustained onslaught on criminal elements in the state.
“The operation which was carried out within the Iyonu/Idodo forest, followed credible intelligence on the activities of the gang terrorising the area. On sighting the operatives, the hoodlums opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire. At the end of the encounter, two of the suspects were neutralised.
“One AK-47 rifle, two locally fabricated Dane guns, 20 rounds of 9mm ammunition and five live cartridges were recovered from the scene.
“Similarly, acting on cultivated intelligence, operatives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command foiled a kidnap attempt on the mother of a prominent individual in Isata community, Isu, Onicha LGA.
“The suspects, Monday Okorie (m), Ngwuta Friday (m) and Simon Joshua (m) were arrested while one member of the gang remains at large.
“One locally made single-barrel gun was recovered from the suspects. They will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation,” the PPRO said.
SP Ukandu said that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Adaku Uche-Anya, has also assured residents of the state that the command will not relent in its fight against crime in the state.
She further urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to assist the command in its proactive crime prevention efforts.
