In a significant blow to criminal networks, troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended a 13-member gang, including a traditional healer, and confiscated a cache of 13 pump-action rifles in Delta State.
Coordinated Operation in Oshimili North
The operation was executed by troops of the 63 Brigade/Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force, South-South, under Operation Delta Safe. Acting on intelligence, the coordinated raids targeted areas around Ibusa in the Oshimili North Local Government Area.
Following the initial raids, follow-up operations led to the arrest of the suspects. The Army, in a statement issued by Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 63 Brigade, identified all thirteen individuals.
The Suspects and Recovered Arms
The arrested men are: 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. Obiogonna was specifically identified as a native doctor.
The operation also led to the arrest of two additional suspects believed to be members of a notorious cult group active in the region.
Regarding the weapons, the Army stated that two pump-action rifles were initially recovered from the suspects. In a development highlighting complex local security dynamics, three more rifles were retrieved from individuals described as local vigilantes.
A thorough combing of the area later yielded eight additional pump-action rifles at Umuisiagba, bringing the total number of seized weapons to thirteen.
Command Reaction and Security Implications
The Commander of 63 Brigade, Brigadier General Morounfolu Shonibare, commended the troops for their vigilance. He charged them to intensify efforts against criminal networks operating across Delta State.
General Shonibare reassured residents of Delta and neighbouring communities of the Brigade's unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property. The Army confirmed that all suspects and the recovered arms have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
This arrest has raised fresh concerns about the proliferation of small arms and the persistence of organised crime in the South-South region. The recovery of weapons from vigilante figures also underscores ongoing ambiguities surrounding community security structures and arms control in parts of Nigeria.
