By; MKPUMA ENYINNA, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Police Command has said that three gunmen were killed in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, following the invasion of their camp by a team of police officers.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Ebonyi State, Mr. Chris Anyanwu while briefing newsmen on Tuesday, a joint operation of the Ebonyi State Police Command Tactical Operation Team comprising the police, DSS and the military launched attack on the criminal’s den in Isu community, Onicha local Government Area of the state on 31st June, 2022 to dislodge criminals in their hideout.
Mr. Anyanwu stated that three of the criminals were gunned down during an exchange of gunfire with the team of police officers, while others fled with bullet wounds to unknown destinations, while two AK rifles were recovered with ammunition.
“ A joint operation of the Ebonyi State Police Command Tactical Operation Teams, the Military and DSS embarked on an operation this day, 31/05/2022 to dislodge criminals hibernating at the main camp of Eastern Security Network (ESN) within Onicha Isu LGA of Ebonyi State.
“This was sequel to an attack on a Police patrol team yesterday evening during which a Police officer was murdered in cold blood by the hoodlums.
“Based on intelligence at the Police Command’s disposal, the hoodlums were trailed to a camp at Isu Onicha.
” While surveying the one-way route into the camp, the combined security forces were ambushed by the hoodlums who rained sporadic bullet shots in their direction.
“In a swift and spontaneous response, the joint team engaged the hoodlums in a counter-firing that lasted over 30minutes and neutralized them. As a result of the superior firing power of the joint team, some of the hoodlums with bullet-wounds scampered for escape in different directions.
“The team later combed the bush and recovered two AK rifles with a few rounds of their ammunition and three corpses of the assailants,” he said.
He further noted that more exhibits were recovered in their hideout which includes: One AK-49 rifle breech number 1984-AM1196, One AK-47 rifle breech number 1971-DF2726, One AR rifle with illegible breech number, one hundred and forty-seven (147) rounds of AR ammunition, thirty-eight (38) rounds of AK-47 ammunition, one locally fabricated double-barrelled pistol, two walkie-talkie sets and their chargers, two charm-like substances, one hospital card, one Diamond Bank ATM card, two National ID cards, one Techno phone battery, and other incriminating items.
The Police PPRO also implored members of the public to assist the Police with relevant information about the activities of the criminals and their hideouts and be assured of utmost protection of their identities.
