By Amaka Okafor
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps , Ebonyi State Command, have dismantled a criminal syndicate operating along the Ebonyi-Benue border, recovering an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun, live ammunition and other dangerous weapons.
The successful operation targeted hideouts allegedly used by hoodlums and suspected cult groups operating between Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and neighbouring Benue State.
The raid followed a week-long intelligence-gathering exercise and was jointly executed by operatives of the Command’s Intelligence and Investigation Department and the State Commandant’s Special Squad.
Briefing journalists on Saturday at the Command Headquarters in Abakaliki, the State Commandant, Francis Nnadi, confirmed the success of the multi-location operation, commending the officers for their professionalism and operational efficiency.
Items recovered during the operation included one AK-47 rifle, a double-loaded magazine, four rounds of live ammunition, one locally made pistol, one pump-action gun, five tactical knives and assorted charms suspected to be used for criminal activities.
Nnadi warned criminal elements and suspected gang members to steer clear of Ebonyi State, particularly as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections, assuring residents that security agencies were determined to prevent violence and other criminal activities.
“I want to warn criminal elements ahead of the general elections to flee Ebonyi State. The Command, in conjunction with other sister security agencies, is fully prepared to rid the state of all forms of crime and criminality,” he declared.
The NSCDC boss also reassured residents of border communities and other parts of the state of adequate security coverage before, during and after the elections, urging members of the public to support security agencies with credible intelligence.
“I want to assure residents of the border communities and the entire state of adequate security before, during and after the elections. I urge the public to continue providing credible, timely information to assist security agencies in maintaining law and order,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Command disclosed that manhunt operations were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects and their collaborators, assuring residents that efforts to dismantle criminal networks across the state would be sustained.