By Nkechi Eze
Troops of 63 Brigade/Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, have dismantled a criminal gang and recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition during a series of intelligence-led operations in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The successful operation, carried out around Ibusa, followed credible intelligence on the activities of a notorious criminal and cult-related network operating within the area. In an official statement signed by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, the Army disclosed that two suspected criminals, alleged to be members of a dangerous cult group, were arrested during the initial phase of the operation.
During the arrest, troops recovered two pump-action rifles from the suspects. In the course of further checks within the same operation, an additional three pump-action rifles were recovered from individuals identified as purported local vigilantes, raising concerns about the proliferation of illegal arms within the community. The arrested suspects and all recovered weapons were subsequently handed over to the relevant agency for further investigation and necessary action.
Captain Bawa-Rijau further revealed that follow-up operations were conducted to consolidate the initial success and ensure the area was thoroughly sanitised. These operations led to the recovery of eight additional pump-action rifles at Umuisiagba, also within Oshimili North Local Government Area.
As part of the wider clampdown, a total of 13 suspects were apprehended in connection with the criminal activities. Those 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 allegedly linked to the group.
Reacting to the success of the operation, the Commander, 63 Brigade, Brigadier General M. A. Shonibare, commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and swift response to credible intelligence. He charged them to sustain the tempo of operations and intensify efforts to clamp down on all criminal networks within the Brigade’s area of responsibility.
Brigadier General Shonibare reassured the people of Delta State and neighbouring communities that 63 Brigade remains fully committed to prioritising the safety of lives and property. He affirmed that the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies under Operation DELTA SAFE, will continue to take proactive measures to rid the area of criminal elements and ensure a safe and secure environment for law-abiding citizens.
