Troops Neutralize Kidnappers, Rescue Victims in Delta State Operations
Troops of the 63 Brigade/Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, have neutralized three suspected kidnappers and rescued a female victim during a daring operation in Otulu Forest, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The operation, conducted with the support of a tracker team from the Delta State Government House, Asaba, followed credible intelligence on the kidnappers’ activities around Issele-Uku. According to reports, the criminals had previously collected ransom from families of their victims before being tracked to their hideout.
A firefight lasting about 30 minutes ensued, during which three kidnappers were killed. Troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, 52 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a cutlass, four mobile phones, a phone charger, a power bank, a pack of cigarettes, and N2,336,000 abandoned by the suspects.
One soldier sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, while the rescued lady suffered injuries inflicted by her captors. Both were evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, where they are said to be in stable condition. The bodies of the neutralized kidnappers were handed over to the Keystone Police Station, Ogwashi-Uku, for further action.
In a related development, troops of the 63 Brigade, in conjunction with Operation Delta Sweep, rescued another victim during an operation in Ekrodo-Jesse community, Ethiope West Local Government Area. Responding to a distress call on August 17, 2025, the troops’ arrival forced the kidnappers to abandon their victim, identified as Saviour Okiemute, 25, who has since been reunited with his family.
Although the suspects fled into a nearby forest, troops pursued them for about six kilometers before conducting a cordon-and-search operation, which led to the recovery of a locally made dane gun.
Commander of the 63 Brigade/Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, Brigadier General M. A. Shonibare, commended the troops for their bravery and reassured residents that the military remains committed to maintaining peace and security in Delta State.
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