Determined to rid criminal elements out of its operational coverage areas, troops of 63 Brigade/Sector 1, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE have successfully bursted a criminal gang and recovered arms and ammunition in Oshimilli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The operations led to the arrest of two suspected criminals, alleged to be members of a notorious cult group that had terrorized the area and other neighboring towns in recent times.

Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, made this disclosure in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri yesterday, noted that the operation was well coordinated and executed by the troop.

He stated that the troop had monitored the activities of the gang for a while now before the invasion that led to the arrest based on credible intelligence on the modus operandi of the criminal gang, especially after a recent operation conducted around Ibusa.

According to statement; “During the operations,several weapons were recovered, including two pump action rifles recovered from the criminals, as well as additional three pump action rifles recovered from purported local vigilantes”.

“The suspects and weapons recovered have been handed over to the relevant agency for further investigation. Furthermore, in a follow up operations conducted, the area was combed, which led to the recovery of additional eight pump action rifles at Umuisiagba”.

Thirteen 13 suspects, including 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 (Native Doctor), were arrested in that later operation.

Meanwhile, the Commander, 63 Brigade, Brigadier General MA Shonibare, while commending troops for their vigilance, charged them to clampdown on all criminal networks in the area.

He reassured the good people of Delta Sate and environs that the Brigade would continue to effectively prioritise the safety of lives and property. (Saturday Sun)