By our correspondent
Troops of Headquarters 63 Brigade/Sector 1 Joint Task Force, South Operation DELTA SAFE, have recovered seven rifles and two motorcycles during a raid operation at Ibusa in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The operation, conducted on 4 June 2026, was carried out after the troops acted on credible intelligence about suspected criminal activity in the area. According to the Nigerian Army, the weapons and motorcycles were found hidden inside an abandoned police station within Ibusa community.
Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, confirmed the recovery in a statement released in Asaba on 5 June 2026. He said the raid was part of ongoing efforts to rid Delta State of criminal elements and restore peace to vulnerable communities.
“The arms and motorcycles were discovered in an abandoned police station within Ibusa community during a swift raid operation while acting on credible intelligence,” Captain Bawa-Rijau stated.
The Commander, 63 Brigade, Brigadier General Moronfolu Abdulmoshood Shonibare, praised the troops for the successful operation. He linked the outcome to improved intelligence gathering and the professionalism of soldiers on ground.
“I commend the troops for their resilience and professionalism displayed during this operation,” Brig Gen Shonibare said. “This recovery shows that our intelligence network is working and our troops remain alert and committed to their mandate.”
The Brigade Commander urged the soldiers to keep up the pressure on criminal gangs operating across Delta State and adjoining areas. He said the Joint Task Force would not relent until residents can move freely without fear.
“I charge you to sustain the current operational tempo and maintain relentless pressure on criminal elements,” he told the troops.
We must deny these criminals the space to operate and make Delta State uncomfortable for them.”
Brig Gen Shonibare also sent a strong warning to anyone aiding or harbouring criminals in the state. He said the formation would go after all individuals and groups involved in illegal arms possession and violent crime.
“The formation remains unwavering in its commitment to denying criminals freedom of action in the area,” he reiterated, adding “Let it be clear that individuals and groups harbouring arms or engaging in criminal activities will face the full wrath of the law.”
Security analysts say the recovery of seven rifles from a single abandoned station points to how criminal elements exploit unmanned public facilities to store weapons. Ibusa, located close to Asaba, has seen increased military patrols in recent months as part of Operation DELTA SAFE’s mandate to secure oil installations and protect communities from kidnapping, cult clashes, and armed robbery.
Residents of Ibusa welcomed the raid, noting that the abandoned police station had become a concern for locals. Community leaders had previously called for government attention to derelict security buildings that could be used by hoodlums.
Operation DELTA SAFE is a joint military task force set up to protect oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta while also tackling violent crime. The 63 Brigade, headquartered in Asaba, covers Delta State under Sector 1 of the operation.
The Nigerian Army said investigations are ongoing to trace ownership of the recovered rifles and motorcycles, and to arrest anyone connected to the cache. The weapons have been moved to a secure military facility for further examination.
For now, Captain Bawa-Rijau said troops will intensify raids and stop-and-search operations around Ibusa and other flashpoints in Oshimili North LGA to prevent criminals from regrouping.
“The Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, will continue to work with the public to ensure Delta State remains safe,” he added.
