Troops Storm Delta Forest, Kill Three Kidnappers in Fierce Shootout, Rescue Victims and Recover N2.3m Ransom

Troops of the 63 Brigade/Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe have killed three suspected kidnappers in a fierce gun battle and rescued a woman who was being held captive in a forest in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State. Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Iliyasu Bawa Rijau, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday, August 18, 2025.

According to the Army, the operation was launched following credible intelligence on the activities of a kidnap gang operating around Issele Uku. The criminals had earlier demanded and received ransom payments from victims’ families before troops tracked them to their hideout. On arrival, the kidnappers engaged the soldiers in a shootout that lasted about 30 minutes, leading to the death of three members of the gang.

The troops recovered N2.3 million, believed to be ransom money, alongside an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, 52 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a cutlass, four mobile phones, a phone charger, a power bank and a pack of cigarettes. The rescued woman and a soldier who sustained a gunshot wound during the encounter were taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Asaba for treatment and are reported to be in stable condition. The corpses of the kidnappers have since been handed over to the police at Ogwashi-Uku for further action.

In a separate operation on August 17, troops of the 63 Brigade, working with Operation Delta Sweep, responded to a distress call at Ekrodo-Jesse community in Ethiope West Local Government Area. The presence of soldiers forced a group of kidnappers to abandon their victim, 25-year-old Saviour Okiemute, who was safely reunited with his family. A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of a locally made dane gun, though the suspects managed to escape into the forest.

Commander of the 63 Brigade/Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe, Brigadier General M.A. Shonibare, commended the troops for their swift response and reassured residents that ongoing operations are aimed at curbing criminal activities and ensuring peace and security across Delta State.