Troops of 63 Brigade Neutralise Kidnappers, Rescue Victims in Delta State

Troops of the 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe and 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.

According to a statement issued by Captain Iliyasu Bawa Rijau, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, the operation was launched following credible intelligence on the movement of kidnappers operating around Issele-Uku. The criminals had reportedly collected ransom from victims’ families before troops tracked them to their hideout.

In a firefight that lasted about 30 minutes, three kidnappers were neutralised while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 52 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a cutlass, four mobile phones, a phone charger, a power bank, and a pack of Benson cigarettes. A cash sum of ₦2,336,000 abandoned by the suspects was also recovered.

One soldier sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during the encounter, while the rescued lady also sustained injuries inflicted by the kidnappers. Both have since been evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, where they are receiving treatment and are in stable condition. The corpses of the neutralised kidnappers were handed over to the Keystone Police Station, Ogwashi-Uku, for further action.

In a separate operation, troops of 63 Brigade, working with Operation Delta Sweep, successfully foiled another kidnap attempt in Ethiope West Local Government Area on 17 August 2025. Responding to a distress call from Ekrodo-Jesse community, troops mobilised to the area, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their victim and escape into a nearby forest. The troops pursued the suspects for about six kilometres but made no contact. However, a cordon-and-search operation led to the recovery of a locally made dane gun.

The rescued victim, identified as 25-year-old Saviour Okiemute, was safely reunited with his family.

Brigadier General M.A. Shonibare, Commander 63 Brigade and Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe, commended the troops for their bravery and assured the public that the Nigerian Army remains committed to sustaining peace and security across Delta State.