Troops smash gang behind deadly ambush, recover looted Army rifles

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Months after a deadly ambush claimed the life of a soldier and left another injured, troops have arrested three suspected members of the criminal gang responsible and recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition stolen during the attack.

The breakthrough came in the early hours of July 31, when troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation UDOKA, in collaboration with the 181 Battalion of 63 Brigade, conducted coordinated intelligence-led operations across Delta and Rivers states.

The operation led to the arrest of three suspected gang leaders, identified as Chiboy, Marathon and Onowu, in Oleh, Delta State, where they had reportedly gone into hiding following the May 4 attack on troops.

Military authorities said the suspects subsequently led soldiers to their hideouts concealed in plantations at Aggah-Ekpeaggah in Rivers State and Umudike, where security personnel recovered the weapons stolen during the ambush, along with other arms allegedly stockpiled for criminal activities.

Among the recovered items were an AK-47 rifle and an FN rifle taken from the slain and injured soldiers, each with two magazines.

Troops also recovered five AK-47 rifles, pistols, 194 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 45 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, military uniforms, protective gear and five mobile phones believed to be linked to the gang’s operations.

The Nigerian Army described the operation as the outcome of sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated tactical operations launched after the deadly ambush.

Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, said the successful operation demonstrated the military’s resolve to track down those responsible for attacks on security personnel and other criminal activities.

He said the three suspects remain in military custody and will be handed over for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining ongoing operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks, recovering illegal weapons and restoring peace and security across the region.