In a significant blow to criminality, troops of the Nigerian Army have dismantled a dangerous gang and seized a cache of weapons in Delta State. The operation, which underscores the military's commitment to security in the Niger Delta region, led to multiple arrests and the recovery of a substantial number of firearms.
Major Arms Haul and Arrests in Oshimili North
The successful crackdown was executed by troops of the 63 Brigade/Sector 1, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE. Acting on credible intelligence, the forces targeted the nefarious activities of a criminal gang operating within the Oshimili North Local Government Area.
According to a statement released on January 3, 2026, by Captain Ilyasu Bawa-Rijau, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 63 Brigade, the initial phase of the operation around Ibusa was decisive. It resulted in the arrest of two suspected criminals, who are alleged to be members of a notorious cult group terrorizing the area.
Weapons Recovered from Criminals and Vigilantes
During this operation, the troops made critical recoveries. Two pump action rifles were seized directly from the arrested suspects. In a related but concerning discovery, an additional three pump action rifles were recovered from individuals described as purported local vigilantes.
The suspects and all recovered weapons were promptly handed over to the relevant security agency for further investigation and prosecution. This action highlights the standard procedure for ensuring proper legal follow-up.
Follow-Up Operations Yield More Suspects, Weapons
Not resting on their initial success, the troops launched aggressive follow-up operations to sanitize the area completely. A thorough combing of the vicinity led to another major breakthrough at Umuisiagba, where eight more pump action rifles were discovered and confiscated.
This phase of the operation also led to the arrest of thirteen more individuals, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to fifteen. The army identified the suspects 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
- Ndibuisi Obiogonna (identified as a Native Doctor)
The inclusion of a traditional healer among the suspects suggests a deeper network involved in the gang's activities.
Commander Commends Troops, Reassures Public
The Commander of the 63 Brigade, Brigadier General MA Shonibare, praised the troops for their vigilance and professionalism during the operations. He charged them to maintain the offensive and clamp down on all remaining criminal networks within their area of responsibility.
In a message aimed at calming public fears, General Shonibare reassured the residents of Delta State and its environs that the Brigade remains unwavering in its mandate. He emphasized that the safety of lives and property continues to be the top priority for the military formation.
This operation is a clear demonstration of the Nigerian Army's proactive stance in tackling insecurity and recovering illegal arms, which are often used to perpetuate violence, kidnapping, and other crimes in the region.
