ASABA: Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 63 Brigade/Sector 1, Joint Task Force South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE, have dismantled a criminal gang and recovered 13 pump-action rifles during coordinated operations in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The operation, which followed credible intelligence, was carried out around Ibusa and led to the arrest of several suspects linked to cult-related activities.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, two suspected members of a notorious cult group were initially apprehended, with two pump-action rifles recovered from them.
He said further raids led to the recovery of three additional pump-action rifles from individuals identified as members of a local vigilante group.
Subsequent follow-up operations in surrounding communities resulted in the recovery of eight more pump-action rifles at Umuisiagba, bringing the total number of seized weapons to 13.
In all, 13 suspects were arrested during the operations. They include Nwaokonta Elvis, Obi Victor Woke, Uba Elijah, Nonso Ibiora, Dumbili Ezefili, Ndefu Ifeanyi, Ozemene Richard, Broderick Patrick, Nwaokonta Afamefile, Kelvin Ejiani, Victor Ogochukwu, Ogadi Kelvin Ikechukwu and Ndibuisi Obiogonna, who was identified as a native doctor.
Captain Bawa-Rijau said the suspects, along with the recovered arms, have been handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Commending the troops for their vigilance and professionalism, the Commander of 63 Brigade, Brigadier General M. A. Shonibare, urged them to sustain the momentum and intensify efforts against criminal networks within the brigade’s area of responsibility.
He reassured residents of Delta State and neighbouring areas of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that operations under Operation DELTA SAFE would continue until criminal elements are fully neutralized.
The development forms part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to curb cultism, illegal arms proliferation and other criminal activities across the South-South region.
