Troops Neutralize Kidnappers, Rescue Hostage in Delta State Forest Operation
By Janeth John
Troops of the 63 Brigade/Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, have successfully neutralized three suspected kidnappers and rescued a female hostage during a clearance operation in Aniocha Local Government Area of Delta State.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Monday, August 18, 2025, by Captain Iliyasu Bawa Rijau, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 63 Brigade, Asaba.
According to the statement, the operation was launched following credible intelligence on the activities of a kidnap syndicate operating around the Issele-Uku area. The troops had been tracking the gang after they reportedly demanded and collected ransom payments from the families of their victims.
The operation culminated in a raid on the kidnappers' forest hideout, where a fierce gunfight ensued. Three members of the gang were fatally wounded during the exchange of fire.
The troops successfully rescued a woman held captive by the criminals and recovered various items from the scene, including:
- N2.3 million in ransom money
- One AK-47 rifle
- A magazine loaded with ammunition
- A cutlass
- Four mobile phones
- Other materials abandoned by the suspects
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of citizens, especially in communities vulnerable to criminal activities.
