By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops of 63 Brigade/Sector 1, Joint Task Force South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, have dismantled a criminal gang and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, arresting multiple suspects linked to cult-related activities.
Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army in a press release said the operation, which followed credible intelligence, was conducted around Ibusa and led to the arrest of two suspected criminals believed to be members of a notorious cult group operating in the area.
He said that during the raid, troops recovered two pump-action rifles from the suspects. An additional three pump-action rifles were also recovered from individuals purported to be members of a local vigilante group.
“Security forces subsequently carried out follow-up operations, combing surrounding communities. This effort resulted in the recovery of eight more pump-action rifles at Umuisiagba, bringing the total number of recovered 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, identified as a native doctor.
“The suspects and recovered weapons have been handed over to the relevant security agency for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“Commending the troops for their vigilance and professionalism, the Commander, 63 Brigade, Brigadier General M. A. Shonibare, charged them to sustain the momentum and clamp down on all criminal networks within the Brigade’s area of responsibility.”
He also reassured residents of Delta State and neighbouring areas of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property, stressing that operations under Operation DELTA SAFE would continue until criminal elements are neutralised.
The development is part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to curb cultism, illegal arms proliferation, and other forms of criminality in the South-South region.
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