Troops Arrest Suspected Members of Criminal Syndicate Linked to Deadly Ambush in Delta, Recover Weapons
Troops Arrest Suspected Members of Criminal Syndicate Linked to Deadly Ambush in Delta, Recover Weapons
Troops Arrest Suspected Members of Criminal Syndicate Linked to Deadly Ambush in Delta, Recover Weapons
Troops of 34 Artillery Brigade, operating under Operation UDOKA as part of the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY II, have arrested key members of a suspected criminal syndicate allegedly linked to the deadly ambush on Nigerian Army personnel on May 4, 2026.
The ambush reportedly resulted in the death of one soldier, while another sustained injuries. Following the attack, troops commenced sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at identifying and apprehending those responsible, as well as recovering weapons stolen during the incident.
In the early hours of July 31, 2026, troops, in collaboration with personnel of 181 Battalion under 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, conducted a coordinated raid on locations in Opaebe and Oleh, Delta State.
The operation led to the arrest of three suspected members of the syndicate, identified by their aliases as Chiboy, Marathon and Onowu. The suspects were reportedly traced to Oleh after allegedly fleeing the area following the May 4 ambush.
Weapons Recovered from Suspects’ Hideouts
Following their arrest, the suspects reportedly guided troops to hideouts located at Aggah Plantation, Ekpeaggah, Rivers State, and Umudike Plantation, where weapons and other items allegedly used by the criminal group were concealed.
Troops recovered the service weapons reportedly stolen during the ambush, comprising:
One AK-47 rifle with two magazines;
One FN rifle with two magazines;
Three additional AK-47 rifles with nine magazines;
Pistols with magazines;
194 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition;
45 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition;
Military camouflage shirts and trousers;
Jungle hats and a fragment protection jacket;
One empty first-aid box; and
Five mobile phones allegedly linked to the group’s activities.
The suspects remain in military custody and are undergoing further investigation. They are expected to face prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law.
The Headquarters Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDOKA, commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience and sustained commitment to intelligence-driven operations.
The successful operation, it said, underscores the determination of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks, recover illegally held weapons and protect the lives and property of citizens.
The Joint Task Force further reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations aimed at consolidating ongoing peace-building efforts and enhancing security across the South-East and adjoining areas.
Troops Arrest Suspected Members of Criminal Syndicate Linked to Deadly Ambush in Delta, Recover Weapons
