The Nigerian Army’s 63 Brigade, operating under Operation Delta Safe, has neutralized a cultist leader involved in kidnapping for ransom in Delta State. The operation occurred in Pessu community, Warri South Local Government Area, where troops killed the suspect, identified as Mr. Dele, in a gun battle and recovered a pump-action gun.
“The troops conducted a follow-up operation, which resulted in a firefight, during which the neutralised suspect, simply identified as Mr Dele, was shot dead, and a pump-action gun was recovered from the scene.”
Troops arrested another member of the gang, Stephen Fragene Pessu, who confessed to being part of the dreaded group terrorizing the area. Fragene provided credible information on the gang’s activities, including kidnappings for ransom.
“He has provided credible information on the activities of the group armed with lethal weapons used during recent clashes,” Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army said in a statement.
The gang was implicated in several kidnapping cases, with evidence of payments made to secure the release of victims. They were also armed with lethal weapons used during recent clashes.
The operation is ongoing, with troops combing the area to apprehend other gang members and recover their weapons.
The Commander of 63 Brigade, Brigadier MA Shonibare, reassured residents of Delta State and environs that the Brigade prioritizes the safety of lives and property.
Shonibare commended the troops for their resilience and charged them to further clamp down on all criminal elements in the area.
