Troops of the Nigerian Army attached to the 63 Brigade/Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, have arrested a 13-member criminal syndicate and recovered 13 pump-action rifles during a coordinated operation in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The operation, conducted through intelligence-driven raids around Ibusa, has again raised concerns about the spread of small arms and the continued presence of organised criminal activities in the area.
The suspects arrested 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, identified as a native doctor.
In a statement, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, said the arrests were made after a series of follow-up operations that followed the initial raids. He added that two other suspects, believed to be members of a notorious cult group operating within the area, were also arrested.
According to the statement, troops first recovered two pump-action rifles from the suspects, while three additional rifles were recovered from individuals identified as local vigilantes, underscoring persistent challenges related to community security arrangements and arms regulation.
Subsequent search operations in the area led to the recovery of eight more pump-action rifles at Umuisiagba, bringing the total number of weapons seized to 13.
“All suspects and recovered arms have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution,” the statement said.
Commending the troops for their vigilance, the Commander of 63 Brigade, Morounfolu Shonibare, urged them to intensify actions against criminal networks across the state. He reassured residents of Delta State and neighbouring communities of the brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
