By RismadarVoice Reporters
January 3, 2026
Troops of the Nigerian Army under 63 Brigade/Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, have dismantled a criminal gang, recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition during coordinated security operations in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The operation, which took place around Ibusa, followed credible intelligence indicating the presence and activities of a notorious criminal and cult-related group terrorizing residents of the area. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops stormed identified locations, arrested two suspected members of the gang.
During the initial phase of the operation, troops recovered two pump-action rifles from the arrested suspects. In a related development, three additional pump-action rifles were recovered from individuals who claimed to be local vigilantes, raising fresh concerns over the misuse of community security platforms by criminal elements.
Following the breakthrough, troops launched follow-up and mop-up operations across neighbouring communities. The intensified search led to the recovery of eight more pump-action rifles at Umuisiagba, bringing the total number of weapons recovered during the operation to thirteen.
Further operations resulted in the arrest of thirteen suspects, identified as:
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, said to be a native doctor allegedly linked to the group.
Preliminary findings indicate that some of the suspects may have provided logistical and spiritual support to the criminal network.
All suspects arrested, along with the recovered arms and ammunition, have been handed over to the appropriate security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Commander of 63 Brigade, Brigadier General M. A. Shonibare, has commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism, urging them to sustain the momentum and intensify efforts against criminal networks operating within the Brigade’s area of responsibility.
He also reassured residents of Delta State and surrounding communities of the military’s continued commitment towards safeguarding lives and properties, stressing that security operations under Operation DELTA SAFE would be sustained until lasting peace is achieved.
