NSCDC Operation Neutralizes Criminal Hideout Along Ebonyi-Benue Border

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ebonyi State has successfully dismantled a major operational base used by a criminal syndicate accused of terrorizing residents along the border between Ebonyi and Benue states. The operation, which targeted a hideout in the Izzi Local Government Area, marks a significant effort by local security forces to curb rising criminal activity in the region.

Details of the Security Operation

According to the Ebonyi State Commandant of the NSCDC, Francis Nnadi, the raid was the culmination of several weeks of intensive intelligence gathering and surveillance. The operation was executed by a joint team consisting of the Command’s Intelligence and Investigation Department and the Commandant’s Special Squad.

While the suspects managed to evade capture by fleeing into the surrounding bush paths as security forces approached, the raid resulted in the recovery of a significant cache of weaponry. Items seized from the site include:

• One AK-47 assault rifle
• One double-loaded magazine
• Four rounds of live ammunition
• One locally made pistol
• One pump-action shotgun
• Five tactical combat knives
• Assorted criminal charms

The NSCDC has confirmed that a massive manhunt is currently underway, with security personnel combing the adjoining forests and neighboring communities to locate the suspects who escaped the initial raid.

Heightened Security Ahead of Elections

Commandant Nnadi utilized the briefing at the Command Headquarters in Abakaliki to issue a stern warning to criminal networks operating within the state. He emphasized that the NSCDC, in collaboration with other security agencies, is prioritizing the safety of the region as political activities intensify ahead of the upcoming general elections.

“I want to warn criminal elements ahead of the general elections to flee Ebonyi State,” Nnadi stated. “The Command, in conjunction with sister security agencies, is fully prepared to rid the state of all forms of crime and criminality.”

The NSCDC has declared the state a “no-go zone” for criminal activities, promising residents of border communities and the wider state that security coverage will remain robust throughout the election period.

Public Cooperation and Future Outlook

The NSCDC has urged the public to remain vigilant and to continue providing credible information to law enforcement agencies. Officials noted that community cooperation is essential for identifying and neutralizing criminal threats before they escalate. While the primary base in Izzi has been dismantled, authorities have not yet provided details on the specific identity of the gang or the extent of their previous criminal activities, as the investigation remains ongoing.

The successful recovery of these weapons is viewed by the Command as a critical step in maintaining order in a volatile border region. As the manhunt continues, the NSCDC maintains that its focus remains on ensuring that the state remains secure for all residents before, during, and after the electoral cycle.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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