Troops Gun Down 3 Kidnappers In Daring Shootout, Rescue Victims (Photos)

Troops of the 63 Brigade/Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe have successfully neutralised three suspected kidnappers and rescued a woman held captive in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The operation was confirmed in a statement released on Monday, August 18, 2025, by Captain Iliyasu Bawa Rijau, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Asaba.

Intelligence-Led Operation

According to the Army, the rescue mission was launched following credible intelligence reports about kidnappers operating around Issele Uku. The gang had reportedly collected ransom from victims’ families, prompting troops to intensify their pursuit.

Acting on the intelligence, troops, in collaboration with a tracker team from the Delta State Government House in Asaba, stormed the kidnappers’ hideout in Otulo Forest. A fierce gun battle ensued, lasting about 30 minutes, during which three of the criminals were neutralised.

Items Recovered

The Army disclosed that troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, 52 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a cutlass, four mobile phones, a power bank, a phone charger, a pack of Benson cigarettes, and ₦2.3 million in ransom money abandoned by the kidnappers.

However, the operation was not without casualties. One soldier sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, while the rescued woman suffered injuries inflicted by the kidnappers before her release. Both have since been evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, and are said to be in stable condition.

The remains of the neutralised kidnappers were handed over to the Keystone Police Station in Ogwashi-Uku for further investigation and necessary action.

Another Rescue Mission in Ethiope West

In a related development, troops of the 63 Brigade, working with Operation Delta Sweep, responded to a distress call about a kidnapping incident at Ekrodo-Jesse community, Ethiope West LGA, on August 17, 2025.

On arrival, the kidnappers abandoned their victim and fled into a nearby forest. Troops pursued the suspects for about six kilometres but made no direct contact. A subsequent cordon-and-search operation led to the discovery of an abandoned dane gun.

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

Army Reaffirms Commitment to Security

Brigadier General M.A. Shonibare, Commander of the 63 Brigade and Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe, commended the troops for their bravery. He assured residents that the Army remains committed to intensifying operations against criminal networks across Delta State.

He further urged communities to continue providing timely intelligence to aid the fight against kidnapping and other security threats.