By CHARLES IWUOHA

Operatives of the Ebonyi State police Command have neutralised two suspected hoodlums during a raid on their hideout in Iyonu community, Ishielu LGA.

The operation, which was carried out within the Iyonu/Idodo Forest, followed credible intelligence 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.

The following exhibits recovered from them include; one AK-47 rifle, two locally fabricated Dane guns, 20 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and five live cartridges.

Similarly, acting on cultivated intelligence, operatives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command foiled a kidnap attempt on the mother of a prominent individual in Isata community, Isu, Onicha LGA.

The suspects — Monday Okorie (m), Ngwuta Friday (m), and Simon Joshua (m) — were arrested while one member of the gang remains at large. One locally made single-barrel gun was recovered from the suspects. They will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.

This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the command's Spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu and made available to journalists in Abakaliki.

The Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, CP Adaku Uche-Anya, fdc, has assured residents of Ebonyi State that the command will not relent in its fight against criminal elements in the state.

She further urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to assist the command in its proactive crime prevention efforts.