Nigerian troops nab alleged killers of soldier, recover stolen military rifles
Nigerian Army Arrests Three Suspects Linked to Soldier’s Death
Port Harcourt, Nigeria — The Nigerian Army has apprehended three individuals suspected of involvement in a criminal gang responsible for the fatal ambush of a soldier on May 4, 2026. The coordinated operation spanned Rivers, Delta, and Imo states.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the arrests were part of a months-long intelligence-driven effort by troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation UDO KA. During the ambush, a soldier was killed, another was injured, and military weapons were stolen.
Following a thorough investigation that included information garnered from previously arrested suspects, operatives identified the alleged masterminds as Albert Tony, known as “Chiboy,” Temple Eburua, alias “Marathon,” and Vitalis Eburua, also referred to as “Onowu.” The report also highlighted the role of an accomplice, Mr. Abire, who is accused of assisting the suspects in their flight from Rivers State.
Abire was arrested on July 30 in Port Harcourt, and the information obtained during his interrogation led security forces to the suspects’ hideout in Delta State. Acting on this intelligence, troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade, with support from the 181 Battalion, conducted a raid in Opaebe Community, Oleh, in the early hours of July 31, leading to the capture of the three suspects.
The suspects subsequently directed the troops to their hideout in Ohaji/Egbema, where military weapons taken during the May ambush were discovered. A further search at another location in Umudike Plantation yielded additional arms, including one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, one FN rifle, and two FN rifle magazines, along with a variety of other military-grade ammunition.
The suspects are currently in custody at the 34 Artillery Brigade and are being further interrogated. Security agencies continue to identify other members of the alleged criminal network and recover more stolen weapons.
Makama characterized the operation as a significant development in efforts to bring those responsible for attacks on security personnel to justice and recover stolen military equipment. Follow-up operations are reportedly ongoing.
