The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Ebonyi State Command, has dismantled criminal hideouts across the Ebonyi–Benue border in Izzi Local Government Area of the state.
DSC Emmanuella Obianuju Ibeneme, Ebonyi State Command Public Relations Officer, in a statement on Sunday, said the success followed credible intelligence about the criminal activities in the community, adding that the operation was carried out by operatives of the Intelligence and Investigation Department in collaboration with the Commandant's Special Squad.
"Acting on the intelligence, the operatives launched a coordinated sting operation at different locations within the locality, leading to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one double magazine, four rounds of live ammunition, five knives, assorted criminal charms, one locally made pistol and one pump-action gun."
It said the State Commandant, CC Francis Chika Nnadi, JP, issued a stern warning to criminal elements planning to disrupt the peace of Ebonyi State.
He declared that the Command was fully prepared, in collaboration with sister security agencies, to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure that residents enjoy a peaceful and secure environment.
The Commandant further assured residents of border communities and the entire state of adequate security before, during and after the elections.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies by providing credible, timely and actionable information that would assist in identifying and apprehending criminal elements.
NSCDC breaks criminal network in Ebonyi, Benue border, recovers AK-47, pump action gun