By Enemona Samuel Endurance | The Bureau News
Nigeria News Today: Troops of the 63 Brigade/Sector 1, Joint Task Force, Operation DELTA SAFE, have dismantled a criminal gang and recovered arms and ammunition in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The operation resulted in the arrest of two suspected criminals believed to be members of a notorious cult group operating within the area.
In a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade Nigerian Army, Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, the arrests followed credible intelligence on the criminal activities of the gang.
He disclosed that the operation was carried out around Ibusa, where troops recovered two pump-action rifles from the suspects.
The statement further revealed that an additional three pump-action rifles were recovered from individuals suspected to be local vigilantes during the operation.
According to the army spokesman, all arrested suspects and recovered weapons have been handed over to the appropriate security agencies for further investigation and necessary action.
In a follow-up operation, troops combed surrounding areas and recovered eight additional pump-action rifles at Umuisiagba, leading to the arrest of 13 more suspects.
Meanwhile, the Commander of 63 Brigade, Brigadier General M. A. Shonibare, commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism.
He charged them to sustain the ongoing clampdown on criminal networks and reassured residents of Delta State and neighbouring communities of the Brigade’s commitment to the protection of lives and property.
The Bureau News reports that the operation forms part of intensified security efforts under Operation DELTA SAFE to curb criminal activities in the Niger Delta region.