By Bavoriat Clara
Troops of the 63 Brigade/Sector 1, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, have dismantled a criminal gang and recovered several arms and ammunition in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The operation, conducted around Ibusa, followed credible intelligence on the activities of a notorious criminal and cult-related gang in the area. According to the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, the troops arrested two suspected criminals during the initial phase of the operation.
He said a search of the suspects led to the recovery of two pump-action rifles, while an additional three pump-action rifles were recovered from individuals suspected to be local vigilantes. The suspects and recovered weapons have since been handed over to the relevant security agency for further investigation and necessary action.
Captain Bawa-Rijau added that a follow-up operation was subsequently conducted, during which troops combed surrounding areas and recovered eight additional pump-action rifles at Umuisiagba. The operation also resulted in the arrest of 13 suspects, 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.
Meanwhile, the Commander, 63 Brigade, Brigadier General M. A. Shonibare, commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism, charging them to sustain the clampdown on all criminal networks within the brigade’s area of responsibility. He reassured residents of Delta State and its environs of the Nigerian Army’s continued commitment to the safety of lives and property.
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