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

Source: The Guardian January 04, 2026 11:39 UTC