The Nigerian Army has arrested three suspected members of a criminal syndicate linked to the deadly ambush that claimed the life of a soldier and left another injured, while recovering military weapons stolen during the attack alongside additional firearms and ammunition.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni.
According to the statement, the operation followed months of intelligence-led investigations by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation UDO KA (OPUK) after armed criminals ambushed soldiers on May 4, 2026, killing one soldier, injuring another and carting away service weapons.
The Army said sustained raids and the interrogation of previously arrested gang members provided intelligence that led operatives to the principal suspects, identified as Albert Tony, also known as “Chiboy,” Temple Eburua, alias “Marathon,” and Vitalis Eburua, popularly known as “Onowu.”
Investigators also discovered that the suspects had initially fled to Port Harcourt in Rivers State before relocating to Oleh in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State with the assistance of an associate identified as Mr. Abire.
Troops arrested Abire in Port Harcourt on July 30. During interrogation, he reportedly revealed the location of the three suspects.
Acting on the intelligence, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, in collaboration with personnel of the 181 Battalion, carried out a coordinated raid at Opaebe in Oleh during the early hours of July 31, leading to the arrest of the suspects.
Following their arrest, the suspects allegedly guided troops to their hideouts in Ohaji/Egbema and Umudike Plantation, where military weapons stolen during the May ambush had been concealed.
The Army said the operation led to the recovery of the stolen service weapons, including one AK-47 rifle with two magazines and one FN rifle with two magazines.
Security forces 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, a fragmentation protection jacket, military camouflage uniforms, jungle hats, an empty first aid box and five mobile phones believed to be connected to the group’s activities.
The statement read in part:
“Troops of 34 Artillery Brigade, operating under Operation UDOKA through the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY II, have recorded a significant operational success with the arrest of key members of a notorious criminal syndicate responsible for the ambush of troops on 4 May 2026.
“Following the attack, troops launched a series of intelligence-led raids aimed at apprehending the perpetrators and recovering weapons stolen during the incident. These sustained operations resulted in the arrest of the suspects.”
The Army said the suspects remain in military custody and will be prosecuted after the conclusion of investigations.
It also commended the professionalism and cooperation demonstrated by troops during the operation, describing the arrests as another step in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and improve security across the South East and surrounding regions.
How did this story make you feel?
Join the conversation
Share a thoughtful response. Submissions may be reviewed before appearing.
