Troops Arrest Suspected Killers of Soldier, Recover Stolen Weapons in Delta, Rivers

By Harriet Tornguvan 

Troops of Operation UDOKA have dismantled a notorious criminal syndicate linked to the ambush and killing of a Nigerian soldier, recovering stolen military weapons and other arms during coordinated operations across Delta and Rivers states.

The operation, carried out by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation EASTERN SANITY II, led to the arrest of three key suspects identified as Chiboy, Marathon and Onowu, who were allegedly involved in the deadly attack on troops on May 4, 2026.

The ambush, according to the Nigerian Army, claimed the life of one soldier and left another wounded, while the attackers carted away military weapons.

In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the Army said intelligence-driven operations launched after the attack culminated in the arrest of the suspects in the early hours of July 31, 2026.

Ayeni disclosed that troops, in collaboration with personnel of the 181 Battalion under the 63 Brigade, conducted coordinated raids at Opaebe and Oleh in Delta State, where the suspects had fled after the ambush.

He explained that following their arrest, the suspects led security operatives to their hideouts at Aggah Plantation in Ekpeaggah, Rivers State, and Umudike Plantation, where the stolen service weapons and other firearms were concealed.

Items recovered during the operation included one stolen 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 and 45 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.

Troops also recovered military uniforms and protective gear, including camouflage shirts, trousers, jungle hats and a fragment protection jacket. Other exhibits recovered were an empty first aid box and five mobile phones believed to be connected to the syndicate's criminal activities.

The Army said the suspects are currently in custody and will be prosecuted after the conclusion of investigations.

Commending the troops for their professionalism and resilience, the Headquarters Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDOKA, said the successful operation reflected the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity.

It reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces and other security agencies to dismantling criminal networks and sustaining ongoing peace-building efforts across the South-East and adjoining regions.

Caption: Troops of Operation UDOKA recover stolen military weapons and arrest three suspected members of a criminal syndicate linked to the May 4 ambush that killed a Nigerian soldier during coordinated operations in Delta and Rivers states.