By Chimezie Godfrey
Troops of the Nigerian Army under 63 Brigade, Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, have dismantled a criminal gang in Delta State, arresting 13 suspects and recovering 13 pump action rifles.
The operation, carried out in Oshimili North Local Government Area, followed actionable intelligence on the activities of a notorious cult-linked criminal network operating around Ibusa.
In a statement signed by Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, the troops initially arrested two suspects during the intelligence-driven raid.
“The arrest of the suspects, believed to be members of a notorious cult group, was effected following credible intelligence on their criminal activities,” Captain Bawa-Rijau stated.
He disclosed that two pump action rifles were recovered from the suspects, while an additional three rifles were retrieved from individuals posing as local vigilantes.
According to the statement, further cordon-and-search operations led to the recovery of eight additional pump action rifles at Umuisiagba community.
Captain Bawa-Rijau listed the arrested suspects to 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.
He noted that all suspects and recovered weapons have been handed over to the relevant security agency for further investigation and prosecution.
The Commander, 63 Brigade, Brigadier General MA Shonibare, commended the troops for their vigilance and charged them to sustain pressure on criminal networks.
Captain Bawa-Rijau quoted the Brigade Commander as reassuring residents that the Army remains committed to protecting lives and property across Delta State.