Troops Eliminate 3 Kidnappers, Rescue 2 Victims in Delta
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 63 Brigade/Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, 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.
The operation, conducted in collaboration with a tracker team from the Delta State Government House, Asaba, followed credible intelligence reports on the hideout of the criminal gang that had been terrorising communities around Issele-Uku.
According to military sources, the kidnappers had already collected ransom from some of their victims before troops tracked them to their camp. A fierce gun battle lasting about 30 minutes ensued, leaving three kidnappers dead.
Recovered from the scene were an AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 52 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, four mobile phones, a cutlass, a phone charger, a power bank, a pack of cigarettes, and the sum of ₦2,336,000 believed to have been abandoned by the criminals.
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The rescued lady, who sustained injuries from her abductors before the rescue, was evacuated alongside a soldier wounded in the leg during the operation. Both were taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, where they are said to be in stable condition. The remains of the neutralised suspects have been handed over to the Keystone Police Station, Ogwashi-Uku, for further action.
In a separate operation on August 17, troops of the 63 Brigade, working with Operation Delta Sweep, foiled another kidnap attempt at Ekrodo-Jesse community in Ethiope West Local Government Area. Responding to a distress call, troops stormed the area, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their victim and escape into a nearby forest.
The victim, identified as 25-year-old Saviour Okiemute, was safely reunited with his family after the operation. A subsequent cordon-and-search exercise in the area led to the recovery of a locally fabricated dane gun.
Commander of 63 Brigade/ Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe, Brigadier General M. A. Shonibare, commended the gallantry of the troops and assured residents of the Army’s continued commitment to peace and security in Delta State.
By PRNigeria
