Sylvester Idowu in Warri
Operatives of Joint Task Force (JTF) code named Operation Delta Safe, who are on the trail of killers of four officers and 13 soldiers at Okuama, have invaded Olota community in Ughelli South Local Government area of Delta State.
Security sources told THISDAY yesterday, that the soldiers, in a search operation over the killing of the military personnel stormed Olota community in search of arms and suspects on Thursday.
Olota, also an Urhobo community is about 50km away from the Okuama community where irate youths had murdered 17 military personnel on March 14.
It was gathered that with the ongoing search for suspects involved in the killing of 17 soldiers and alleged snatching of military arms in Okuama, the troops invaded the community based on fresh intelligence.
“In the latest development, soldiers were said to have invaded Olota again, burning two houses and destroying another, before taking away the community Chairman, Matthew Olokpa, and no fewer than nine others”, the source said.
Confirming the development, the Nigerian Army on its X handle said an armoury containing a significant cache of arms and ammunition was uncovered at the residence of a gun runner in Olota community.
The Army said the armoury was concealed in the residence of one Mr. Kenneth adding, “In a successful operation to eradicate illegal weapons in the South-South region, Nigerian Army troops have uncovered an armoury containing a significant cache of arms and ammunition at the residence of a gun runner in Olota community and adjoining communities of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State.
“Responding to actionable intelligence, the troops raided the identified armoury concealed in the residence of one Mr Kenneth, a notorious gun runner in the said community.
“A search of the armoury yielded one G3 rifle, 853 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and 19 rounds of 7.62mm special. The operation further extended to other adjoining locations within the community, resulting in the discovery of four G3 rifles and magazines, one Pump Action Semi Automatic Gun, three Sub-Machine Guns and magazines, as well as 476 live cartridges.
“Additionally, the troops recovered five locally fabricated guns, a large plastic bag containing a substance suspected to be cannabis sativa and two speed boats with 75 horsepower outboard engines The troops also apprehended three suspects during the operation.”
