The Nigerian Army has arrested three suspected members of a criminal syndicate allegedly responsible for the deadly ambush that claimed the life of a soldier and left another injured earlier this year.
The operation, which spanned Rivers, Delta and Imo states, also led to the recovery of military weapons stolen during the attack, along with several other firearms and ammunition.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday, August 1, 2026, by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Nigerian Army.
According to the Army, the arrests followed months of intelligence-led operations by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation UDO KA after the May 4, 2026, ambush, during which gunmen attacked troops, killing one soldier, injuring another and making away with military weapons.
The statement said sustained raids and the interrogation of previously arrested suspects provided fresh intelligence that identified the alleged ringleaders as Albert Tony, popularly known as “Chiboy,” Temple Eburua, alias “Marathon,” and Vitalis Eburua, also known as “Onowu.”
Investigators reportedly discovered that after the attack, the suspects 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.
Army troops arrested Abire in Port Harcourt on July 30. During interrogation, he allegedly revealed the location of the three suspects in Delta State.
Acting on the intelligence, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, working alongside personnel of the 181 Battalion, carried out a coordinated raid in Opaebe, Oleh, in the early hours of July 31, leading to the arrest of the three suspects.
Following their arrest, the suspects allegedly led security operatives to a hideout in Ohaji/Egbema, where military weapons stolen during the May ambush had been concealed. Troops also uncovered another camp at Umudike Plantation during the follow-up operation.
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 from the slain soldier during the attack.
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, camouflage uniforms, military protective gear, a fragmentation jacket, an empty first aid box and five mobile phones suspected to be linked to the group’s activities.
The Nigerian Army said the suspects remain in custody and will be prosecuted after investigations are concluded.
The military commended the troops involved in the operation, describing the arrests and weapons recovery as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and improve security across the South-East and adjoining states.
According to the Army, the successful operation highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-driven missions and collaboration among security agencies in tackling violent criminal groups and sustaining ongoing peace-building efforts in the region.
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