Three youths from Onicha-Olona in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State detained for alleged involvement in gun and drone manufacturing factory have regained freedom after spending one year and six months in the custody of the Nigerian Army.
Their release followed a plea for clemency championed by Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
The young men were arrested in February 2024 by operatives of the 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, after the discovery of an alleged illegal gun and drone fabrication factory said to be linked to their family in Onicha Olona community.
Speaking after their release, one of the youths expressed deep gratitude to Senator Nwoko and the security agencies, and said their long-standing interest in fabricating security gadgets began as “an innate talent” nurtured since primary school. Their parents also confirmed that the boys had been experimenting with security devices from their early teenage years.
It will be recalled that Senator Nwoko, who has been working closely with the Army and the DSS since the arrests, had told journalists over a year ago that the creativity and technical potential of the boys should be redirected into productive innovation, especially in an era driven by science and technology.
According to the lawmaker, an amnesty and rehabilitation programme, properly supervised by relevant security institutions, would help harness the youths’ abilities particularly in the maintenance and fabrication of security materials, as meaningful contributions to the society.
