Troops of the Nigerian Army have invaded another community, Olota, in Ughelli South local government area of Delta State and reportedly whisked away no fewer than 10 persons.
The raid of the community, 50 kilometres from Okuama, may not be unconnected with the March 14 killing of 17 military personnel at Okuama.
The army had over a week ago visited Arhavwarien, Orere and Omosuomo communities, searching for fleeing suspects as well as arms and ammunition snatched from the dead soldiers.
The troop were said to be conducting a cordon-and-search operation and whisked the community’s chairman, Matthew Olokpa, and over 10 others.
An eyewitness said over 200 soldiers entered Olota in three gunboats; seized the chairman, Matthew Olokpa, Bigi Edjekpewhu, German Obiokute, Kenneth Okorodudu Atua and others.
“The soldiers razed some houses and took with them almost all the speedboats they sighted in the jetty.
“Gunshots roared in Olota. They left with those apprehended, no fewer than 10 persons. They burnt Germany’s house and two others and destroyed one.
“They also left with many speed boats at the jetty belonging to residents and along with a 75-engine-powered boat belonging to Kenneth,” he stated.
The president-general of Olota, Prosper Evuarherhe, could not be arrested but confirmed the development.
Meanwhile, the Army, in a statement which was posted on its Facebook page, said its troops recovered arms and ammunition from the armoury in Olota and other locations in neighbouring communities in Ughelli South local government area of the state.
It said troops had raided the secret armoury in response to a tip-off. The armoury, according to the
Nigerian Army, was concealed in the residence of the suspected gun runner identified simply as Mr Kenneth.
The Army said one G3 rifle, 853 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were recovered from the armoury.
“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 (SMG) and magazines, as well as 476 live cartridges,” the army said in the statement.
It added that three suspects were arrested during the operation, but did not reveal their identities.
The army explained that the operation was part of the ongoing efforts to eradicate illegal weapons in the South-Ssouth region.
“Additionally, the troops recovered five locally fabricated guns, a large plastic bag containing substance suspected to be cannabis sativa, and two speed boats with 75 horsepower outboard engines,” the army statement added.
