By Augustine Ehikioya
Troops of 63 Brigade/Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe alongside Tracker team from the Delta State Government House Asaba, have neutralised three kidnappers and rescued a lady who was being held captive in the Otulo Forest area of Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Based on a credible intelligence report and with the tracking of the kidnappers since last week, the troops carried out a daring and bold operation after receiving information about their activities around Issele Uku.
The kidnappers, according to a statement by Captain Iliyasu Bawa Rijau, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Asaba, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), had demanded and received ransom from the victims’ families, but the troops were determined and neutralised them in their hideout.
It reads “In the ensuing firefight that lasted for about 30 minutes, troops neutralised three kidnappers and 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 and a pack of Benson cigarettes.
“The sum of N2,336,000, abandoned by the criminals was also recovered.
“However, one soldier sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during the operation, while the rescued lady also had injuries from the kidnappers’ actions before her rescue.
“Both were immediately evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre in Asaba for medical attention and are currently in stable condition.”
The corpses of the kidnappers, the statement said, have been handed over to the Keystone Police Station in Ogwashuku for necessary action
It also disclosed that a similar rescue operation was carried out by troops of 63 Brigade in conjunction with Operation Delta Sweep in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.
“Troops responding to distress call about kidnapping activity at Ekrodo-Jesse community on 17 August, 2025”
According to reports, the troops mobilised to the scene, prompting the kidnappers to release their victim and flee into a nearby forest.
Even though troops pursued the suspects for about 6 kilometres and no contact was made, a cordon and search operation led to the discovery of an unsaved Dane gun.
The victim, identified as Saviour Okiemute, a 25-year-old, was rescued and reunited with his family.
The Commander 63 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation DELTA SAFE (OPDS), Brigadier General MA Shonibare commended troops and assured the public that the operation is part of the ongoing efforts by the troops to maintain peace and security in Delta State.
