By Bavoriat Clara
Troops of 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 1, Joint Task Force (JTF) South South, Operation DELTA SAFE (OPDS), have recorded a major operational success with the arrest of a notorious suspected cultist, Stephen Fragene Pessu, and the neutralization of another gang member in a gun battle at Pessu Community, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, on 18 September 2025.
In a statement, the Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, disclosed that the arrested suspect confessed to being a member of a dreaded gang responsible for several acts of terror across Warri and its environs. According to him, the gang has been implicated in multiple cases of kidnapping for ransom, with verified evidence of payments made to secure the release of abducted victims.
Further investigations revealed that the group was heavily armed and involved in recent violent clashes. Acting on credible intelligence, troops launched a follow-up operation which resulted in a fierce firefight. During the encounter, one suspect, identified as Mr. Dele, was neutralized, and a pump-action gun was recovered from the scene.
The operation remains ongoing, with troops intensifying efforts to track down other fleeing gang members and recover additional weapons in their possession.
Commending the troops for their professionalism and resilience, the Commander, 63 Brigade/Sector 1 JTF OPDS, Brigadier General M.A. Shonibare, charged them to sustain the clampdown on criminal elements threatening peace and security in the region.
He reassured residents of Delta State and its environs that the Brigade, under his leadership, will continue to prioritize the protection of lives and property while urging the public to go about their lawful social and economic activities without fear.
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