Delta: Troops kill cultist involved in kidnapping for ransom

Troops of the 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 1, Joint Task Force, South South, otherwise known as Operation Delta Safe, have killed a cultist leader involved in kidnapping for ransom.

It equally arrested another member identified as Stephen Fragene at the Pessu community, Warri South local government area of Delta state

Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in a statement signed by him, maintained that the suspect confessed to be a member of a dreaded gang terrorising the area and its environs.

“He has provided credible information on the activities of the group armed with lethal weapons used during recent clashes,” he said.

The statement revealed that the arrested notorious criminal was implicated severely in kidnapping for ransom, with evidence of payments made to secure the release of victims.

He further stated, “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.”

The Army spokesman said that “the operation is ongoing, with troops combing the general area, to arrest other members of the gang.

“Additionally, efforts are intensified to recover the weapons in their possession.”

Meanwhile, the Commander, 63 Brigade/Sector 1, JTF SS OPDS, Brigadier MA Shonibare, while commending the troops “for their resilience”, charged them to further “clamp down on all criminal elements in the area”.

He also reassured the people of Delta State and environs that the Brigade, under his watch, would continue to effectively prioritise the safety of lives and property.

Delta: Troops kill cultist involved in kidnapping for ransom