Operation Delta Safe Rescues 9 Kidnap Victims, Arrests 10 Suspected Kidnappers

Nine people have been rescued by the Joint Task Force (JTF)'s Nigerian troops in the Niger Delta after being kidnapped by gunmen last week.

Commander John Okeke of the joint military force, deployed to the Niger Delta, confirmed on Monday night that during the Operation Delta Safe operation, 10 suspected kidnappers were arrested.

He also disclosed that among the rescued individuals were a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and a Navy rating.

"In continuation to ensure the safety of lives and property in the Niger Delta Region, the gallant troops of the Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), comprising troops of Quick Response Force (QRF) of Headquarters OPDS, Land, Maritime and Air Components on Monday, April 1, 2024, rescued nine kidnap victims," he said, Premium Times reported.

He added, "The freed victims were kidnapped on 29 March 2024, along Patani-Ughelli Road in Delta State. During the rescue operation, 10 suspects in connection with the kidnap incident were arrested. Amongst the rescued victims is a Naval Rating and an NYSC member."

After the rescue operation, the JTF commander issued a warning to criminals in the Niger Delta region, urging them to stop their unlawful activities. He stressed that there would be no refuge for them in the area, as Nigerian troops are committed to creating a safe environment for Nigerians to live.

Okeke went on to praise the troops for their bravery and dedication during the rescue mission. He also encouraged the public to continue providing valuable information to security agencies regarding criminal activities in their communities.

The rescue operation news came after the Defense Headquarters last week said the Nigerian Military has killed 212 terrorists, captured 253 and rescued 244 kidnapped hostages in various operations across the country within a week.

The details were shared after President Bola Tinubu gave "full authority" to the Nigerian military to bring to justice anybody found to have been responsible for the deadly attack on armed forces in Delta state that killed 12 soldiers and four army officers.