The Nigerian Army’s 63 Brigade, under Operation Delta Safe, has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against cultism and kidnapping in Delta State. On September 18, 2025, troops arrested a notorious suspected cultist, Stephen Fragene Pessu, and neutralized another individual, Mr. Dele, in Pessu Community, Warri South Local Government Area.

According to Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, the arrested suspect confessed to being a member of a dreaded gang involved in kidnapping for ransom and other illicit activities. The gang has been linked to several cases, with evidence of payments made to secure the release of victims. A pump-action gun was recovered from the scene where Mr. Dele was neutralized.

The operation is ongoing, with troops combing the area to apprehend other gang members and recover their weapons. Brigadier MA Shonibare, Commander of 63 Brigade/Sector 1, JTF SS OPDS, commended the troops for their resilience and directed them to sustain the clampdown on criminal elements in the area. He reassured residents that the Brigade prioritizes their safety and security [4].

Residents Urged to Resume Normal Activities

Brigadier Shonibare called on residents to go about their daily activities without fear, assuring them that adequate security measures are in place to protect lives and property. The military’s efforts aim to restore peace and security in the region, and the operation is expected to continue until all gang members are apprehended and brought to justice [6].