Abducted army officer rescued with gunshot wounds in Delta

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 63 Brigade have rescued a senior officer, Major M.D. Josiah, who was abducted by suspected kidnappers in Delta State.

The Brigade’s spokesperson, Captain Iliyasu Rijau, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the rescue took place in Bomadi Local Government Area.

According to a  earlier report by Vanguard, Major Josiah had attended a wedding in Kpakiama, near Bomadi, over the weekend. He later returned to his lodge in Bomadi town, where gunmen stormed the premises between 2 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. They reportedly ransacked rooms, seized mobile phones, and whisked him away in a waiting vehicle.

Captain Rijau explained that the officer’s rescue was made possible through “meticulous planning, intelligence gathering by the troops, and collaboration with community leaders and members.”

“This synergy enabled the troops to track down the abductors and rescue the senior officer at Tuomor Waterside in Bomadi Local Government Area, Delta State, on Tuesday,” he said.

Rijau said during the operation, Major Josiah sustained gunshot wounds but was taken to a medical facility where he is currently receiving treatment.

The Commander of 63 Brigade/Sector 1, Joint Task Force South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE, Brigadier General M.A. Shonibare, commended the troops for their “bravery and tactical prowess.” He assured residents that the army would continue to safeguard Delta State and its surrounding areas.

He also thanked local communities for their support, describing their cooperation as a sign of growing trust between civilians and the military in combating crime.