Army Arrests Killers of Soldiers, Recovers Stolen Rifles

By Wuddeama Manga// Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade operating under Operation UDOKA and Operation EASTERN SANITY II have arrested three suspected members of a criminal syndicate linked to the deadly ambush of soldiers in Ohaji Egbema on May 4, 2026.

The suspects, identified as Albert Tony, alias Chiboy, Temple Eburua, alias Marathon, and Vitalis Eburua, alias Onowu, were arrested after months of intelligence driven operations across Rivers, Delta, and Imo states.

The ambush claimed the life of one soldier, left another injured, and saw the attackers make away with military weapons.

According to the Nigerian Army, the breakthrough followed the arrest of an associate, Mr. Abire, in Port Harcourt on July 30. Intelligence obtained from him led troops to carry out a dawn raid on Opaebe Oleh in Delta State on July 31, where the three suspects were apprehended in collaboration with the 181 Battalion.

The suspects later led troops to several hideouts in Rivers State, where the stolen service rifles and other weapons were recovered. The cache included four AK 47 rifles, one FN rifle, pistols, magazines, 194 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 45 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, military uniforms, protective gear, mobile phones, and other items.

The suspects are in military custody and will undergo further investigation before prosecution.

The Nigerian Army commended the troops for their professionalism and the successful inter agency collaboration that led to the operation.