The Joint Task Force, codenamed “Operation Delta Safe,” has arrested suspected militant leader, Gabriel Ogbudje, who threatened to bomb the multi-billion dollar Utorogun Gas Plant in Ughelli, Delta State.
According to security sources, the suspect was arrested along the Agbor-Abraka road in Delta State after several days of intelligence gathering by soldiers.
Our correspondent gathered that the suspect was apprehended at about 4 p.m in his hideout after he allegedly put a call to his mother, who was being detained by the military.
Troops of the 122 Battalion, Ughelli, had last week stormed the suspect’s residence, but he narrowly escaped while his pregnant wife, Rachael Abbah, was apprehended.
The source revealed that the militant leader’s wife led soldiers to his country home at Akperhe Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area, where his septuagenarian mother, Madam Amrevweatefa Odada, was arrested along with two other young men found in the family compound.
It was gathered that the detention of the suspect’s relations helped the troops in locating him along with an accomplice identified as Elvis Dweller Ejus.
Gabriel Ogbudje, an ex-militant leader, is also alleged to be the leader of the “Otugas Fire Force”, the militant group that threatened to attack Utorogu Gas Plant.
The suspect, according to security sources, was also allegedly responsible for the recent attacks on NPDC/Shoreline major delivery trunk line within Ogo-Oteri general area on August 26 this year.
It was gathered that the suspect had been on the run since he was declared wanted because of his public declaration as the leader of the militant group, “Otugas Fire Force” and had launched “Operation Crocodile Tears” in response to the military’s “Operation Crocodile Smile”.
Security sources disclosed that the suspect and his accomplice were being detained in an unnamed military facility for further investigations.
The Spokesman of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin, Captain I. Mohammed, Confirmed the arrest but declined further comment on the development.
