Troops of the 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with a tracker team from the Delta State Government House, Asaba, have neutralised three suspected kidnappers and rescued a female victim during a daring operation in Otulu Forest, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops had been on the kidnappers’ trail since last week following reports of abductions around Issele Uku. The suspects had collected ransom from their victims’ families before troops moved in on their hideout.
In a 30-minute gun battle, three kidnappers were neutralised. Recovered from the scene were an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, 52 rounds of ammunition, a cutlass, four mobile phones, a power bank, cigarettes, and over two million naira in cash abandoned by the criminals.
One soldier sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, while the rescued woman was found with injuries inflicted by her abductors. Both have since been evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, and are reported to be in stable condition. The bodies of the neutralised kidnappers were handed over to the Keystone Police Station in Ogwashi-Uku.
In a separate operation, troops of the 63 Brigade, working with Operation Delta Sweep, responded to a distress call in Ethiope West Local Government Area. On arrival, the kidnappers released their victim, 25-year-old Saviour Okiemute, and fled into the forest. Although the troops pursued them for about six kilometers, the suspects escaped. A subsequent search led to the recovery of a locally made dane gun.
The Commander, 63 Brigade and Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, Brigadier General M. A. Shonibare, commended the troops for their bravery. He assured residents that the operations are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security and restore peace across Delta State.
