By Our Correspondent
Asaba
Troops of 63 Brigade/Sector 1, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, have arrested several suspects, including a native doctor, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, following actionable intelligence on criminal activities in the area.
The arrests were carried out during a coordinated security operation around Ibusa, after credible information revealed the activities of a suspected criminal and cult network operating within the locality.
Confirming the development, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, said the suspects were apprehended during a targeted raid conducted by troops under Operation Delta Safe.
According to him, the operation led to the arrest of 13 suspects, including a native doctor alleged to be providing spiritual support and logistics to criminal elements.
He disclosed that during the raid, troops recovered two pump-action rifles from some of the suspects, while three additional pump-action rifles were seized from individuals claiming to be members of a local vigilante group.
Captain Bawa-Rijau added that follow-up operations conducted at Umuisiagba resulted in the recovery of eight more pump-action rifles, bringing the total number of firearms recovered to 13.
“All suspects arrested and items recovered have been handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and prosecution,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Commander of 63 Brigade, Brigadier-General M.A. Shonibare, commended the troops for their professionalism and timely response to intelligence reports.
He reassured residents of Delta State and the wider South-South region of the Army’s resolve to sustain aggressive operations against criminal elements, stressing that the safety of lives and property remains a top priority.
Brigadier-General Shonibare urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible information, noting that community cooperation remains critical in the fight against crime.
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