Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Police in Ebonyi State, Nigeria’s South-East, say they have neutralised a notorious criminal kingpin, Isaiah Okoronkwo, who had long been on their wanted list for violent crimes across the state.
Spokesperson of the Police in the state, Joshua Ukandu, a Superintendent of Police, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
Operation
He said the breakthrough was recorded on August 29, 2025, when operatives of the Command’s Crack Squad stormed a criminal hideout in Iyonu Forest, Ishielu Local Government Area.
According to him, the operation, which was based on credible intelligence, targeted a syndicate linked to a series of armed robbery incidents and violent crimes that had recently surged in Iyonu community.
Mr. Ukandu said the hoodlums opened fire on noticing the Police team, prompting a fierce gun battle.
The statement noted that the operatives responded gallantly, subdued the criminals, and neutralised their ringleader.
“In the ensuing encounter, the syndicate’s kingpin, Isaiah Okoronkwo, who had long been on the Command’s wanted list, was neutralised.
“Two AK-47 rifles were recovered during the operation,” he said.
Commendation
The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police, Adaku Uche-Anya, as commending the Crack Squad for their professionalism, courage, and painstaking intelligence work that culminated in the successful operation.
She reassured Ebonyi residents that the Command remains resolute in its mandate to safeguard lives and property.
The Commissioner of Police stressed that the Police would continue to dismantle criminal networks wherever they operate in the state.
She urged members of the public to continue to provide timely information to aid their efforts in maintaining security and restoring peace across communities.
