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In a significant victory against criminal elements, troops of the Nigerian Army's 63 Brigade successfully killed three suspected kidnappers and rescued a female hostage in a daring operation in the Otulu forest area of Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State. The operation, which took place on Monday, August 18, 2025, underscores the ongoing efforts by Nigerian security forces to combat the pervasive issue of kidnapping for ransom in the region.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops had been tracking the criminal syndicate since last week following a series of kidnappings in and around Issele-Uku. The breakthrough came after the kidnappers collected a ransom from the victim's family. The swift response of the soldiers led them to the gang's hideout, where they engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle.
During the exchange of fire, three of the kidnappers were neutralized, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. The operation resulted in the rescue of a woman who had been held captive. While she sustained injuries from her captors, she has since been evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre in Asaba for medical attention and is reported to be in stable condition. A soldier was also injured in the leg during the operation and is receiving treatment.
The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, 52 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, a cutlass, and a substantial sum of ₦2,336,000, which is believed to be the ransom collected from the victim's family.
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