Nigerian troops nab alleged killers of soldier, recover stolen military rifles

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested three suspected members of a criminal gang allegedly responsible for the killing of a soldier during a deadly ambush in May.

They recovered military rifles stolen during the attack in a coordinated operation spanning Rivers, Delta and Imo states.

The operation was reported by security analyst, Zagazola Makama.

According to the report, the arrests followed months of intelligence-driven operations by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation UDO KA after gunmen ambushed soldiers on May 4, 2026, killing one soldier, injuring another and making away with service weapons.

Makama said that intelligence gathered during the investigation, including information obtained from previously arrested suspects, led operatives to identify the alleged masterminds as Albert Tony, popularly known as “Chiboy,” Temple Eburua, alias “Marathon,” and Vitalis Eburua, also known as “Onowu.”

The report stated that investigators also uncovered the role of an alleged accomplice, Mr. Abire, who reportedly helped the suspects flee from Rivers State to Oleh in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State after the attack.

According to him, troops arrested Abire in Port Harcourt on July 30, and information obtained during his interrogation led security operatives to the suspects’ hideout in Delta State.

Acting on the intelligence, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, in collaboration with personnel of the 181 Battalion, raided Opaebe Community in Oleh during the early hours of July 31, leading to the arrest of the three suspects.

“The suspects subsequently led troops to their hideout in Ohaji/Egbema, where military weapons stolen during the May ambush were concealed,” the report stated.

Makama said further exploitation of the hideout also led troops to another camp at Umudike Plantation, where additional weapons and ammunition were recovered.

Among the recovered items were one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, one FN rifle and two FN rifle magazines believed to have been stolen during the ambush.

Troops also recovered three additional AK-47 rifles, nine AK-47 magazines, one pistol with its magazine, 194 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 45 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, one fragmentation jacket and other items suspected to be linked to the gang’s activities.

According to the report, the suspects are currently in the custody of the 34 Artillery Brigade and are undergoing further interrogation as security agencies work to identify other members of the alleged criminal network and recover more weapons.

Makama described the operation as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to apprehend those responsible for attacks on security personnel and recover stolen military hardware, adding that follow-up operations are continuing.

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