In a daring and coordinated operation, troops of the 63 Brigade/Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, in collaboration with the Delta State Government House tracker team, neutralized three kidnappers and rescued a female victim in Otulu Forest, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The rescue followed a week-long intelligence-driven operation after reports of kidnappers terrorizing communities around Issele-Uku. The criminals had earlier extorted ransom from victims’ families, but the troops trailed them to their hideout, determined to dismantle the syndicate.
A fierce firefight lasting about 30 minutes ensued, during which three kidnappers were neutralized. Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, a magazine 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. Troops also recovered ₦2,336,000 abandoned by the criminals.
One soldier sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, while the rescued lady had injuries inflicted by her captors before her release. Both were promptly evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre in Asaba, where they are receiving treatment and are in stable condition. The corpses of the neutralized kidnappers were handed over to the Keystone Police Station in Ogwashi-Uku for further action.
In a separate operation on August 17, troops of 63 Brigade, in conjunction with Operation Delta Sweep, foiled another kidnapping attempt at Ekrodo-Jesse community in Ethiope West Local Government Area. Responding swiftly to a distress call, troops’ presence forced the kidnappers to abandon their victim, 25-year-old Saviour Okiemute, who was rescued unharmed and reunited with his family. A cordon and search operation in the area led to the recovery of an unserviceable dane gun, although the fleeing suspects could not be apprehended.
The Commander, 63 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe, Brigadier General M.A. Shonibare, commended the troops for their gallantry and reaffirmed the army’s commitment to restoring peace and security across Delta State.
By Folake Sokoya
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