Three years after four Nigerian soldiers were brutally murdered during a peace operation in Delta State, the Department of State Services has recorded a major breakthrough with the arrest of two suspects allegedly behind the attack.
According to security sources, the suspects, identified as Ufuoma Sunday James and Lawrence Umuakpero Oboguayivwgue, were picked up following months of covert surveillance and intelligence tracking tied to the long-running investigation.
Investigators said the duo is also connected to a separate violent episode during a communal crisis in 2023, which reportedly led to the killing of Chief Okwudili Obi, also known as Odumodu, a controversial self-styled traditional ruler in the Asemoku community.
The killing of the soldiers had sparked national outrage after troops deployed to de-escalate tensions between neighbouring communities were ambushed by armed assailants, who allegedly seized their rifles after the attack.
Security officials disclosed that the arrests were made in January 2026 after actionable intelligence exposed the suspects’ movements and networks. During interrogation, the suspects reportedly made detailed confessions.
“The suspects volunteered information linking them directly to the soldiers’ killings and several other violent crimes,” a security operative said.
“They admitted involvement in gun-running, kidnapping, and coordinated attacks across the area.”
Furthermore, authorities confirmed that the suspects have since been charged before a state high court in Kwale, where the presiding judge ordered their remand in a correctional facility pending the commencement of trial.
Another senior security source described the arrests as a turning point in unresolved security cases within the region.
“This operation shows that time does not erase accountability,” the official said. “Even cold cases can be revived when intelligence is properly coordinated.”
Moreover, the development is expected to reassure local communities and security agencies that attacks on state personnel will not be overlooked, regardless of how long they take to investigate.
Hence, the DSS said it remains committed to dismantling violent networks and ensuring that those responsible for deadly attacks against civilians and security forces are brought to justice.