…Brigade Commander lauds soldiers, seeks stronger community collaboration

Troops from the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force (South-South), Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have apprehended 183 individuals suspected of engaging in cybercrime activities during a large-scale raid in Warri, Delta State.

The coordinated operation, conducted on Saturday, July 19, 2025, was based on actionable intelligence that led troops to several apartments allegedly being used as training hubs for internet fraud.

According to a statement released by the Nigerian Army, all 183 suspects—male youths between the ages of 16 and 29 were arrested at the scene.

A significant cache of items was recovered during the operation, including 274 laptops, 87 smartphones, 9 laptop chargers, a table phone, and 2 WiFi routers.

Authorities confirmed that the suspects, along with the recovered items, are currently undergoing preliminary investigations, and further legal actions will be taken accordingly.

“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in the fight against cybercrime and other criminal acts that endanger national security,” the statement emphasized.

Cultist Arrested in Ezionunn During Separate Operation

In another successful operation on the same day, troops arrested a suspected cultist, identified as Mr. Igbe Lucky Chika, in Ezionunn community. The 26-year-old man is believed to be affiliated with the Viking confraternity.

Items found in his possession included a locally fabricated firearm, an axe, a cutlass, two mobile phones, and a Toyota Camry (registration number Delta ASB 41 BE).

Initial investigations confirmed his membership in the Viking cult group. He will be transferred to the relevant security agency for further interrogation and legal processing.

Brigadier General M.A. Shonibare, Commander of the 63 Brigade and Sector 1 OPDS, commended his troops for the professional execution of both operations. He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting the military in its mission to sustain peace and security across Delta State and the South-South region at large.