Delta State: Operation DELTA SAFE troops crack down on criminal gang, recover arms

Troops of the 63 Brigade/Sector 1, Joint Task Force, South South, under Operation DELTA SAFE, have recorded a major security breakthrough with the arrest of suspected criminals and the recovery of arms in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The operation, carried out in Ibusa and its environs, followed credible intelligence on the activities of a cult-linked criminal gang terrorising residents. Two suspects were apprehended during the initial raid.

A search of the area led to the recovery of two pump-action rifles from the arrested suspects, while an additional three pump-action rifles were recovered from individuals said to be local vigilantes. The suspects and all recovered weapons have since been handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation.

In a subsequent follow-up operation, troops extended the search to neighbouring communities, leading to the discovery of eight more pump-action rifles at Umuisiagba. Thirteen suspects were arrested in connection with the recovered weapons, including 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.

Commending the troops for their professionalism and vigilance, the Commander of 63 Brigade, Brigadier General M. A. Shonibare, urged them to sustain the offensive against all criminal elements within the brigade’s area of responsibility. He assured residents of Delta State and surrounding communities that the Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property.

#UTVAfrica#