Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested two suspected criminals and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during a security operation in Ogidigben community, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The operation was carried out by troops of the 63 Brigade/Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force South-South under Operation Delta Safe following intelligence reports of sporadic gunfire within the riverine community.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 63 Brigade, Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, the army said troops swiftly mobilized to the area and conducted a tactical sweep that led to the recovery of several weapons and other items suspected to belong to criminal elements.
Items recovered during the operation included four AK-47 rifles, six magazines, and 106 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Troops also recovered two knives, 10 machetes, and four pairs of rain boots commonly used by armed groups operating within the difficult terrain of the Niger Delta creeks.
The army said the two suspects arrested during the raid are currently in military custody and undergoing interrogation as authorities investigate possible links to criminal gangs or militant networks operating in the region.
Commander of the 63 Brigade, Brigadier General Moronfolu Abdulmoshood Shonibare, commended the troops for what he described as their professionalism and rapid response during the operation.
He reiterated the military’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations aimed at curbing illegal arms possession and criminal activities across the Niger Delta.
“Our operations will continue to intensify to ensure criminal elements have no freedom of action within the region,” Shonibare stated. “We also urge residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence to help safeguard lives and property.”
The operation comes amid heightened security crackdowns across Delta State targeting kidnapping, armed robbery, illegal arms trafficking, and other violent crimes.
Earlier this week, the Delta State Police Command announced the arrest of suspected kidnappers along the Ughelli-Warri axis and the recovery of additional weapons and ammunition linked to criminal syndicates operating in the area.
Military authorities said the suspects arrested in Ogidigben would be handed over to appropriate law enforcement agencies for prosecution after preliminary investigations are concluded.