Troops Disrupt Separatist Operations in Delta, Detain 13 Suspects

Troops of the 63 Brigade and Sector 1 of Joint Task Force South-South (Operation Delta Safe) have arrested thirteen individuals following a series of intelligence-led operations targeting suspected hideouts of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Delta State.

The week-long operation, conducted between July 26 and August 1 in the Abacha Camp and Fulani Camp areas of Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, aimed to dismantle the logistics and operational bases of separatist elements believed to be disrupting peace in the region.

Following the raids, the arrested individuals were transferred to the 63 Military Intelligence Regiment for thorough profiling. Out of the thirteen suspects, four were identified as confirmed IPOB/ESN collaborators. They have been named as Hossanah John, Obassey Maduabichi, Nwamini Nduka, and Aguyi Uchenna. The remaining nine were found to have no proven links to the separatist groups and were subsequently released to their families after meeting surety conditions.

The Commander of 63 Brigade and Operation Delta Safe, Brigadier General M.A. Shonibare, commended the professionalism and discipline of the troops involved in the operations. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the South-South region, adding that the military would continue to conduct intelligence-based operations to root out threats to national stability.

The recent raid is part of an ongoing series of coordinated actions by security forces targeting IPOB/ESN infrastructure in Delta State. Previous operations have resulted in the discovery of weapons stockpiles, destruction of training camps, and arrests of key operatives.

Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activity to security agencies, emphasizing that civilian cooperation remains crucial to sustaining the gains made in recent months.