Army Arrests Native Doctor, 12 Others, Recovers 13 Rifles in Delta State

Troops of the Nigerian Army attached to the 63 Brigade/Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, have arrested a 13-man criminal syndicate and recovered 13 pump-action rifles in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The operation, carried out by soldiers acting on credible intelligence, has heightened concerns over the continued spread of small arms and the activities of organised criminal groups within the region.

Those arrested include 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, identified as a native doctor. The suspects were apprehended during follow-up operations after intelligence-driven raids in and around Ibusa.
In a statement issued by Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, the Army disclosed that two additional suspects believed to be members of a notorious cult group operating in the area were also arrested during the exercise.
According to the statement, troops initially recovered two pump-action rifles from the suspects, while three other rifles were retrieved from individuals described as local vigilantes, highlighting ongoing challenges surrounding community-based security arrangements and arms control.
Further search operations conducted at Umuisiagba led to the recovery of eight more pump-action rifles, bringing the total number of weapons seized during the operation to 13.
The Army confirmed that all arrested suspects, along with the recovered firearms, have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Commending the troops for their vigilance and professionalism, the Commander of 63 Brigade, Brigadier General Morounfolu Shonibare, urged them to sustain the pressure on criminal elements across Delta State. He also reassured residents of the state and neighbouring communities of the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.