In a significant crackdown on organized crime, troops from the Nigerian Army have apprehended a thirteen-member criminal syndicate and confiscated a cache of thirteen pump-action rifles during a coordinated operation in Delta State.
Intelligence-Led Operation in Oshimili North
The successful raid was conducted by soldiers from the 63 Brigade/Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force, South-South, under Operation Delta Safe. Acting on credible intelligence, the troops carried out targeted raids around the Ibusa area in Oshimili North Local Council on 5 January 2026.
This operation has once again brought to the forefront serious concerns regarding the widespread availability of small arms and the entrenched nature of organized criminal networks in the region.
Suspects and Weapons Recovered
The military authorities have released the names of all thirteen individuals taken into custody. Those arrested 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
- Ndibuisi Obiogonna (identified as a native doctor)
According to a statement issued by Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 63 Brigade, the arrests were made during follow-up operations after the initial raids.
Challenges with Vigilantes and Further Recoveries
The operation revealed complex security dynamics within the community. Initially, troops recovered two pump-action rifles directly from the suspects. However, three more rifles were retrieved from individuals described as local vigilantes, pointing to persistent issues surrounding community security structures and the control of firearms.
Subsequent search missions in the area led to a major discovery at Umuisiagba, where an additional eight pump-action rifles were found. This brought the total number of weapons seized in this single operation to thirteen.
Captain Bawa-Rijau also confirmed that two additional suspects, alleged to be members of a notorious cult group active in the area, were apprehended during the operations.
Handover and Commander's Charge
"All suspects and recovered arms have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution," the army's statement confirmed.
The Commander of the 63 Brigade, Morounfolu Shonibare, commended the troops for their alertness and professionalism. He urged them to intensify their efforts in dismantling criminal networks operating across Delta State.
Brigade Commander Shonibare further reassured residents of Delta and neighboring communities of the military's unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring a secure environment for all.
