The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Ebonyi State Command, has dismantled a hideout allegedly used by a criminal syndicate terrorising communities along the Ebonyi-Benue border.
The raid, which dismantled a key operational base for hoodlums and cultists around Izzi Local Government Area, followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance by security operatives.
Briefing journalists on the operation at the Command Headquarters in Abakaliki on Thursday, the Ebonyi State Commandant, Francis Nnadi, disclosed that the operation was carried out by a joint team comprising operatives of the Command’s Intelligence and Investigation Department and the Commandant’s Special Squad.
Although the suspects reportedly fled into surrounding bush paths as operatives closed in, a thorough search of the hideout led to the recovery of several weapons and dangerous items.
The recovered items include one AK-47 assault rifle, one double-loaded magazine, four rounds of live ammunition, one locally made pistol, one pump-action shotgun, five tactical combat knives and assorted criminal charms.
Warning criminal networks seeking to exploit border communities, Nnadi declared Ebonyi State a no-go zone for criminal activities, particularly as political activities ahead of the general elections gather momentum.
“I want to warn criminal elements ahead of the general elections to flee Ebonyi State,” Nnadi declared.
“The Command, in conjunction with sister security agencies, is fully prepared to rid the state of all forms of crime and criminality. Residents of our border communities and the entire state can rest assured of robust, non-stop security coverage before, during and after the elections.”
The commandant urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies to aid law enforcement efforts.
A massive manhunt is currently underway across adjoining forests and neighbouring communities to track down the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.