Troops of the Nigerian Army under 63 Brigade/Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, have arrested a 13-member criminal gang and recovered 13 pump-action rifles in a coordinated operation in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The arrest reportedly raised fresh concerns over the proliferation of small arms and the persistence of organised crime in the region.

The suspects — 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 — were arrested during follow-up operations after intelligence-led raids around Ibusa.

In a statement issued by Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, the Army disclosed that the operation also led to the arrest of two additional suspects alleged to be members of a notorious cult group operating in the area.

According to the statement, troops initially recovered two pump-action rifles from the suspects, while three others were retrieved from individuals described as local vigilantes—a development that underscores lingering ambiguities around community security structures and arms control.

Further combing of the area, the Army said, resulted in the recovery of eight additional pump-action rifles at Umuisiagba, bringing the total number of weapons seized to 13.

The statement added that “all suspects and recovered arms have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.”

While commending the troops for their vigilance, the Commander of 63 Brigade, Brigadier General Morounfolu Shonibare, charged them to intensify efforts against criminal networks across the state.

He reassured residents of Delta State and neighbouring communities of the Brigade’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.