Troops of 63 Brigade/Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, in collaboration with the tracker team from the Delta State Government House, Asaba, have killed three kidnappers and rescued a female victim in Otulo Forest, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.

 

According to a statement by Captain Iliyassu Bawa Rijau, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, the operation was based on credible intelligence about kidnapping activities in Issele-Uku.

 

The kidnappers had already collected ransom from their victims’ families before troops stormed their hideout. A 30-minute gun battle ensued, leaving three kidnappers dead. Items recovered from the scene included an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, 52 rounds of ammunition, a cutlass, four mobile phones, a charger, a power bank, Benson cigarette packs, and ₦2.3 million in cash abandoned by the criminals.

 

One soldier and the rescued woman sustained injuries and were evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, where they are in stable condition. The bodies of the neutralized kidnappers have been handed over to Keystone Police Station, Ogwashi-Uku, for further action.

 

In a separate operation on August 17, 2025, troops of 63 Brigade and Operation Delta Sweep responded to a distress call in Ekrodo-Jesse, Ethiope West LGA. The kidnappers abandoned their victim, 25-year-old Saviour Okiemute, who was rescued and reunited with his family. Though the suspects fled into the forest, a cordon-and-search operation uncovered an unsaved dane gun.

 

Meanwhile, in Edo State, security agencies comprising the DSS, Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Police screened 45 intending Christian pilgrims to Israel and Jordan. The screening, conducted on behalf of the National Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), was aimed at verifying travel documents before visa processing.

 

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by his Special Adviser on Religious Matters, Apostle Sule Faraday Azekhumhe, warned against abscondment or misconduct abroad, stressing that pilgrimage is for spiritual rebirth, not wealth acquisition.

 

The Chairman, Edo State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Rev. Frank Omobude, assured that pilgrims had been adequately educated on expected conduct. Similarly, the NCPC, represented by Mr. Nkaiso Edemenang, disclosed that screened documents would be forwarded to the Israeli Embassy for visa issuance, followed by orientation and retreat before departure.

 

Commander 63 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. M.A. Shonibare, commended the troops’ performance, assuring the public that the operations are part of ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security in Delta State.