Gunfight in Delta: Soldiers Wipe Out 3 Kidnappers, Rescue Victim

Tension gripped Otulu community in Aniocha South, Delta State, as soldiers of the 63 Brigade, Asaba, stormed a kidnappers’ den and gunned down three armed criminals in a fierce shootout.

The dramatic encounter followed the abduction of a driver, Mr. Igiri Samuel, and his colleague, Miss Mercy Iteshi, both staff of Seth Integrated Farms, who were whisked away on Friday, August 15, near the Oshimili North Local Government Headquarters, Akwu-Akwu Igbo.

Acting on intelligence received two days later, troops backed by the Delta Government House Tracker, local vigilantes, and volunteers trailed the gang from Atuma-Iga down to Otulu. The chase ended in a hail of bullets as the kidnappers engaged security forces in a deadly gun battle.

When the smoke cleared, three kidnappers lay dead. Troops recovered ₦2.4 million in cash, an AK-47 rifle, 52 rounds of live ammunition, mobile phones, and other valuables from the criminals.

The rescued victim, Miss Iteshi, and a soldier sustained injuries during the operation and are currently receiving treatment in hospital.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori praised the gallantry of the soldiers and the collaboration of local security outfits, vowing that Delta will remain unsafe for kidnappers and criminal gangs.

Authorities are now urging residents to stay alert and report suspicious activities, insisting that “the city belongs to the people, not criminals.”

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