In Delta State’s Oshimilli North Local Government Area, soldiers from 63 Brigade/Sector 1, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE have successfully dismantled a cr!minal gang and recovered weapons and ammunition. 

In a statement released on January 3, 2026, Captain Ilyasu Bawa-Rijau, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, stated that the operations resulted in the arrest of two suspected cr!minals who were allegedly members of a well-known local cult. 

The statement claims that a recent operation around Ibusa produced reliable information about the cr!minal gang’s illicit activities, which led to their arrest.

A number of weapons were found during the operations, including three pump action rifles from alleged local vigilantes and two pump action rifles from the cr!minals. 

The recovered weapons and suspects have been turned over to the appropriate agency for additional investigation. 

Furthermore, in 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)

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.