Police kill suspected criminal kingpin in Ebonyi, recover one AK-47 

By, Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki 

Ebonyi State Police command on Wednesday said it has killed one suspected criminal kingpin that is terrorizing Iyonu community in Ishielu local government area and recovered one AK-47.

The Spokesperson of the police command, SP. Joshua Ukandu made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen in Abakaliki.

The statement reads in part: In continuation of its sustained onslaught against violent crimes in Ebonyi State, the Ebonyi State Command has recorded another major breakthrough. 

“This follows the recent surge in armed robbery incidents and criminal activities in Iyonu community in Ishielu Local Government Area.

“On 29th August, 2025, operatives of the Command’s Crack Squad, acting on credible intelligence, launched a clearance operation on the criminals’ hideout located in Iyonu Forest, Ishielu LGA. During the operation, the hoodlums engaged the operatives in a gun battle.

“The police gallantly responded, subduing the criminals. 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. 

“The Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, CP Adaku Uche-Anya, fdc, commended the operatives for their professionalism, courage, and painstaking intelligence work that led to this success. 

She further assured residents of Ebonyi State that the Command remains unwavering in its mandate to protect lives and property, and will continue to dismantle criminal networks wherever they operate.