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 Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The operation led to the recovery of assorted arms and ammunition from the suspects.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, and made available to journalists in Warri on Saturday.
According to the statement, two suspected members of a notorious cult group were arrested during the operation, which was carried out around Ibusa following credible intelligence.
“Their arrest was effected following credible intelligence on the nefarious activities of the criminal gang in a recent operation conducted around Ibusa,” the statement said.
It added that two pump-action rifles were recovered from the suspects, while three additional pump-action rifles were also recovered from individuals described as local vigilantes.
The Army spokesman confirmed that the suspects and the recovered weapons had been handed over to the appropriate security agency for further investigation.
He further disclosed that follow-up operations were conducted in the area, during which troops recovered eight more pump-action rifles at Umuisiagba.
Thirteen suspects were arrested during the follow-up operations. They were identified as 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, said to be a native doctor.
Reacting to the development, the Commander of 63 Brigade, Brigadier General Morounfolu Shonibare, commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism.
He charged them to sustain the pressure on criminal elements and dismantle all criminal networks operating within the area.
Shonibare also reassured residents of Delta State and neighbouring communities of the Army’s commitment to the protection of lives and property.
