Troops bust criminal gang, recover 11 pump-action rifles in Delta

Abdullateef Fowewe

Troops from the 63 Brigade/Sector 1, Joint Task Force South South under Operation DELTA SAFE, dismantled a notorious criminal gang in Oshimilli North Local Government Area, arresting 15 suspects and seizing a cache of arms and ammunition.

Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 63 Brigade, announced the breakthrough in a statement shared on Saturday.

The operation, sparked by credible intelligence on the gang’s activities around Ibusa, led to the initial arrest of two suspected cult members.

Troops recovered two pump action rifles from the suspects and an additional three pump action rifles from purported local vigilantes during the raid.

In a follow-up sweep of Umuisiagba, the troops combed the area and uncovered eight more pump action rifles, bringing the total haul to 11 weapons.

Among the 13 additional suspects nabbed were 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.

Captain Bawa-Rijau highlighted the operation’s success, “Troops of 63 Brigade/Sector 1 have successfully bursted a criminal gang and recovered arms and ammunition in Oshimilli North Local Government Area of Delta State.”

The suspects and recovered arms have been handed over to relevant agencies for further investigation.

Brigadier General MA Shonibare, Commander of the 63 Brigade, praised the troops’ vigilance, urging them to “clampdown on all criminal networks in the area.” He added reassurance to residents, “The Brigade would continue to effectively prioritise the safety of lives and property.”