Wednesday, August 20, 2025 - Troops of the 63 Brigade/Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe have neutralised three kidnappers and rescued a woman held captive in a forest in Aniocha Local Government Area of the state
Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63
Brigade, Asaba, Captain Iliyasu Bawa Rijau, disclosed this in a statement on
Monday, August 18, 2025.
According to the statement, the daring operation followed a
credible intelligence report about the activities of kidnappers around Issele
Uku.
The Army disclosed that the troops had been tracking the
gang since they demanded and received ransom from the victims' families.
Troops trailed the gang to their hideout when a fierce gun
battle ensued during which three were neutralized.
The troops also recovered the sum of N2.3m ransom, AK-47
rifle, a magazine, ammunition, a cutlass, four mobile phones and other items
abandoned by the criminals
"In a daring and bold operations, troops of 63
Brigade/Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe alongside tracker team
from the Delta State Government House Asaba, have neutralized 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," the statement
read.
"Based on credible intelligence report, troops had been
tracking the kidnappers since last week, after receiving information about
their activities around Issele Uku.
"The kidnappers had demanded and received ransom from
the victims' families, but the troops were determined and neutralise them in
their hideout.
"In the ensuing firefight that lasted for about 30
minutes, troops neutralized three kidnappers and recovered 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 prior to 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 have been handed over to the
Keystone Police Station in Ogwashuku for necessary action.”
Similarly, a 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 mobilized to the scene,
prompting the kidnappers to release their victim and flee into a nearby
forest.
Although troops pursued the suspects for about 6 kilometers,
no contact was made. However, 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.
0 Comments