Okuama: Military arrests three community leaders, recover sophisticated weapons

Okuama: Military arrests three community leaders, recover sophisticated weapons 

The Nigerian Army has reportedly arrested three leaders of Olota community in Ughelli South LGA of Delta, in connection with the death of 17 officers.

The 17 soldiers were killed on March 14 while on a peacekeeping mission to Okuama community.

Zagazola Makama, a counter insurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region, said the arrests were made on Wednesday by the troops of 63 Brigade.

The three suspects were arrested on two speed boats while reportedly planning to escape.

The troops were also said to have recovered sophisticated weapons and ammunition.

“Zagazola learnt that in the course of the raids, cordon and searches being conducted, the troops recovered assorted high-caliber military-grade weapons in many of the communities where the operation is going on,” the publication said.

“In one of such searches, the troops stormed the residence of one Mr Kenneth in Olota who escaped on sighting the soldiers.

“The team discovered one G3 rifle, 853 rounds of 7.62 MM Nato and 19 rounds of 7.62 Special MM in his house.

“A further search of other locations within the community led to the discovery of 4 G3 fifties and Magazines, one pump action gun and 3 SMGs, Magazines and 476 cartridges.”