Troops Neutralise Three Kidnappers, Rescue Victims in Delta State Operations
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Troops of the 63 Brigade/Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, have recorded another major success in the fight against kidnapping in Delta State, neutralising three suspected kidnappers and rescuing two victims in separate operations. The decisive missions were confirmed in a statement issued on Monday, 18th August 2025, by Captain Iliyasu Bawa Rijau, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Asaba.
Intelligence-Led Raid in Aniocha North
According to the statement, troops launched a rescue mission after receiving credible intelligence about a gang of kidnappers operating around Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area. The criminals were reported to have extorted ransom payments from families of abducted victims, prompting a swift military response.
Working closely with a tracker team from the Delta State Government House in Asaba, troops stormed the kidnappers’ hideout in Otulo Forest. A fierce gun battle erupted, lasting about 30 minutes. In the exchange of fire, three of the kidnappers were neutralised, while others managed to escape with injuries.
The troops successfully rescued a woman who had been held captive by the gang. Unfortunately, she sustained injuries inflicted by the criminals before her release. One soldier was also wounded during the operation. Both were promptly evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, where medical personnel confirmed their conditions as stable.
Recovered Weapons and Ransom Money
The Army disclosed that several items were recovered from the scene, including an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, 52 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a cutlass, four mobile phones, a power bank, a phone charger, and a pack of Benson cigarettes. Notably, ₦2.3 million in ransom money abandoned by the kidnappers was also recovered, a development described by security analysts as a significant breakthrough in disrupting criminal financing.
The bodies of the neutralised kidnappers were handed over to Keystone Police Station, Ogwashi-Uku, for further investigation and possible identification.
Another Victim Rescued in Ethiope West
In a related operation, troops of the 63 Brigade, in collaboration with personnel from Operation Delta Sweep, responded to a distress call from Ekrodo-Jesse community, Ethiope West Local Government Area, on Sunday, 17th August 2025.
The kidnappers, on sighting the troops, abandoned their victim and fled into the nearby forest. Troops pursued the suspects for about six kilometres, though no direct contact was established. A follow-up cordon-and-search operation led to the recovery of an abandoned dane gun, believed to belong to the fleeing criminals.
The rescued victim, identified as 25-year-old Saviour Okiemute, was safely reunited with his family.
Army Reaffirms Commitment to Security
Reacting to the successful missions, Brigadier General M.A. Shonibare, Commander of 63 Brigade and Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe, commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism. He assured residents that the Army will continue to intensify operations to dismantle criminal networks operating across Delta State and the Niger Delta region at large.
General Shonibare also appealed to communities to maintain close cooperation with security forces by providing timely and reliable intelligence. According to him, public collaboration remains critical in eradicating the menace of kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes threatening peace and economic activities in the state.
Security experts have welcomed the latest operations as evidence of improved coordination between the military and local authorities in combating insecurity. Many residents expressed relief, noting that the presence of troops in affected areas has boosted confidence and curtailed the activities of criminal elements.
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