The Ebonyi State Police Command has killed a notorious criminal kingpin, Isaiah Okoronkwo, described as a high-value target who had long been on the Command’s wanted list.
Police spokesperson SP Joshua Ukandu confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the operation followed a recent rise in armed robbery and criminal activity in Iyonu community, Ishielu Local Government Area.
He said operatives of the Command’s Crack Squad, acting on credible intelligence, launched a clearance operation on the gang’s hideout in Iyonu Forest.
The suspects engaged police in a gun battle, but officers overpowered them. Okoronkwo, the gang leader, was killed in the exchange, and two AK-47 rifles were recovered.
Commissioner of Police, CP Adaku Uche-Anya, commended the operatives for their professionalism and bravery, stressing that the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to dismantle criminal networks across the state.