The Ebonyi Police Command in Ebonyi says that it raided a hideout in the Iyonu community, Ishielu Local Government, and neutralised two robbery suspects.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Jushia Ukanndu, said in a statement on Saturday that the operation was carried out within the Iyonu/Idodo Forest, following credible information 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,” he said.

Besides, Mr Ukandu said operatives attached to the command’s anti-kidnapping unit foiled a kidnap attempt on the mother of a prominent individual in the Isata community, Isu Onicha Local Government of the state.

The PPRO said three suspects were arrested while a member of the gang escaped.

He said that one locally made single-barrel gun was recovered from the suspects, who would be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.

Mr Ukandu said the commissioner of police, Adaku Uche-Anya, assured the residents that the command would not relent in its fight against criminal elements.

The commissioner urged residents to provide credible and timely information that would assist the command in its preventive efforts.

(NAN)