The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ebonyi State Command, has raided a suspected criminal hideout allegedly used by a gang terrorising communities along the Ebonyi-Benue border.
The operation, which targeted a suspected base for criminals and cultists around Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
The State Commandant, Francis Nnadi, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Abakaliki on Thursday.
He explained that the operation was conducted by a joint team comprising personnel from the Intelligence and Investigation Department and the Commandant’s Special Squad.
Although the suspected criminals reportedly escaped through nearby bush paths as security operatives approached, a search of the hideout led to the recovery of several weapons and other dangerous items.
Items recovered included an AK-47 rifle, a double-loaded magazine, four rounds of live ammunition, a locally made pistol, a pump-action shotgun, five tactical combat knives and assorted charms.
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Nnadi warned criminal groups against using border communities as hideouts, declaring that Ebonyi State would not tolerate criminal activities, especially as preparations for the forthcoming general elections gather momentum.
He assured residents that the command, working with other security agencies, was prepared to tackle criminal activities and maintain security before, during and after the elections.
The commandant also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information that could assist security agencies in tracking criminal suspects.
Meanwhile, security operatives have launched a manhunt across neighbouring communities and surrounding forests to locate the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
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