By Nkechi Eze
Troops of 63 Brigade and Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force South South (SS), Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have arrested 13 suspects during a series of intelligence-led raids on hideouts of suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Delta State.
The raids, which were conducted between July 26 and August 1, 2025, targeted the Abacha Camp and Fulani Camp areas of Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement signed by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Asaba, Captain Iliyasu Bawa Rijau, all 13 suspects apprehended during the operations were immediately handed over to the 63 Military Intelligence Regiment (MIR) for profiling and further investigation.
Following the profiling process, four of the individuals were confirmed to be active collaborators with the IPOB/ESN network. They were identified as Hossanah John, Obassey Maduabichi, Nwamini Nduka, and Aguyi Uchenna. The confirmed suspects are to be conveyed to higher military authorities for appropriate action in line with operational procedures.
The remaining nine suspects were found to have no established links to the proscribed group and, according to military authorities, will be released to their families upon provision of credible sureties.
Commander 63 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 1 Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe, Brigadier General M.A. Shonibare, commended the troops for their professionalism and diligence during the operations. He assured the public that the raid was part of the ongoing, sustained efforts by the Nigerian Army to ensure peace and security in Delta State and its environs.
General Shonibare also reaffirmed the commitment of the troops to operate within the confines of the law while working to identify and dismantle criminal networks threatening peace in the region.
