Security forces in Delta State scored a major victory against criminal elements on Monday when soldiers from the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, based in Asaba, engaged and killed three suspected kidnappers in Otulu community, Aniocha South Local Government Area.
The operation, which followed the abduction of two individuals days earlier, also led to the recovery of N2.4 million in cash, an AK-47 rifle, 52 rounds of live ammunition, mobile phones, and other personal items believed to have been taken from victims.
The suspected kidnappers had reportedly kidnapped a worker from Seth Integrated Farms, identified as Igiri Samuel, along with a young woman, in Akwu-kwu-Igbo, the headquarters of Oshimili North Local Government Area, on Friday.
According to security sources, the Government House tracking team in Delta State launched a swift manhunt in partnership with soldiers from the 63 Brigade. Acting on intelligence reports, the combined team trailed the suspects from Atuma-Iga through a network of rural routes to Otulu, a community known to have pockets of criminal activity.
On sighting the advancing troops, the armed kidnappers opened fire, resulting in a fierce gun battle. In the exchange of gunfire, three of the kidnappers were shot dead while one soldier sustained injuries. One of the suspects was also captured alive with injuries and is currently being treated under heavy security watch.
The rescue operation was successful in freeing the kidnapped victims, who have since been reunited with their families.
Speaking under anonymity, a security official involved in the operation said the kidnappers were heavily armed and had hoped to use the dense bush paths around Otulu to evade arrest.
“These criminals thought they could hide in the forest, but we followed them closely. They were armed and aggressive, but our men responded with superior firepower. We are glad that lives were saved and stolen money and weapons were recovered,” the source said.
The N2.4 million recovered is believed to be ransom money collected from earlier victims or prepared for the release of the recently abducted individuals. Authorities are still investigating the origin of the cash and reviewing the phones recovered from the suspects for more leads.
The Delta State Government has yet to release an official statement on the operation, but military sources confirmed that the wounded soldier is receiving medical attention and is expected to recover.
Community members in Akwu-kwu-Igbo and Otulu expressed relief at the swift action of the military, commending their efforts in keeping the area safe.
A resident of Akwu-kwu-Igbo who spoke with our correspondent said, “People have been living in fear because of these kidnappers. We thank the army and the Government House team for taking this seriously. They didn’t waste time in responding, and now we can breathe easier.”
Kidnapping for ransom has become a serious security threat across several parts of Nigeria, including Delta State. Victims are often abducted from farms, roads, or even in their homes, with criminals demanding huge ransoms from families before releasing them.
The Nigerian Army and other security agencies have intensified efforts in recent months to crack down on these criminal gangs, especially in the South-South and South-East regions where attacks have been on the rise.
Delta State has seen several joint operations between the army, police, and local vigilante groups aimed at flushing out armed groups from remote areas. However, residents continue to call for more lasting security measures, including better surveillance, local intelligence gathering, and community policing.
Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to uncover the full network behind the kidnapping gang. Authorities believe the captured suspect could provide vital information to dismantle the larger group operating in the area.
For now, the swift and decisive response by the soldiers has brought relief to the affected communities, with locals hopeful that continued security operations will restore peace in Delta State.
