Troops of the Nigerian Army, on Thursday, invaded Olota community in Ughelli South local government area of Delta State and allegedly whisked away no fewer than 10 persons.
The raid on the community, which just about 50 kilometres from Okuama community, may not be unconnected with the March 14 killing of 17 military personnel at Okuama.
Though the troops had earlier visited Arhavwarien, Orere, and Omosuomo communities about a week ago, searching for the fleeing suspected killers of the Army personnel and arms and ammunition snatched from the murdered soldiers.
The troops were said to be conducting a cordon-and-search operations and whisked the Olota community’s chairman, Matthew Olokpa, and over 10 others away.
An eyewitness said over 200 soldiers entered Olota in three gunboats. They held the community chairman, Matthew Olokpa, Bigi Edjekpewhu, German Obiokute, Kenneth Okorodudu Atua, and others, including allegedly setting some houses on fire.
“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,” a source narrated.
Prosper Evuarherhe, the President-General of Olota, could not be arrested but confirmed the development.
LEADERSHIP earlier reported that the Nigerian Army troops uncovered an armoury containing significant cache of arms and ammunition at the residence of an unnamed suspected gunrunner in Olota community and adjoining communities in Ughelli South local government area of Delta State.
A statement by the Nigerian Army posted on its official X handle (formerly Twitter) on Thursday said the troops during the raid arrested three suspects and recovered large cache of arms during the operation.
The statement said troops responding to actionable intelligence raided the identified armoury concealed in the residence of one Mr Kenneth, a notorious gunrunner in the community.
The statement said following a search of the armoury, troops recovered one G3 Rifle, 853 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and 19 rounds of 7.62mm special.
The troops further extended search to other adjoining locations within the community and recovered 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 troops also 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.
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