Operatives of the Ebonyi State Police Command have neutralised two suspected criminals during a raid on their hideout in Iyonu community, Ishielu Local Government Area, as part of ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

The operation, conducted within the Iyonu/Idodo Forest, followed credible intelligence about the activities of a gang that had been terrorising residents in the area.

According to police sources, the suspects opened fire upon sighting the operatives, leading to a fierce gun duel. Two of the gang members were killed during the exchange.

Recovered items from the scene include:

• One AK-47 rifle
• Two locally fabricated Dane guns
• Twenty rounds of 9mm ammunition
• Five live cartridges

In a separate operation, officers attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit foiled a kidnap attempt on the mother of a prominent individual in Isata community, Isu, Onicha LGA.

Three suspects — Monday Okorie, Ngwuta Friday, and Simon Joshua — were arrested, while one other member of the gang remains at large. Police also recovered a locally made single-barrel gun from the suspects.

Confirming the operations in a statement on Saturday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Joshua Ukandu, said the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Adaku Uche-Anya, assured Ebonyi residents that the Command remains committed to maintaining peace and security across the state.

She also urged the public to continue providing credible information that could help security agencies in proactive crime prevention efforts.