The military Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, in the Niger Delta, said it had rescued nine persons, including a naval rating and a corps member, kidnapped by gunmen on March 29 along the Ugheli-Patani axis of the East-West Road.
The JTF Commander, Rear Admiral John Okeke, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the abductees were rescued on Monday.
Okeke said the 10 suspected kidnappers were arrested in the rescue of the victims who included a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps and a naval rating.
The JTF commander said, “In continuation of efforts 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 from the OPDS Headquarters, Land, Maritime and Air Components on Monday, April 1, 2024, rescued nine kidnap victims.
“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.”
The JTF Commander warned criminal elements within the Niger Delta region to desist from their nefarious activities as there would be no safe haven for them.
Okeke also commended the troops for their gallantry leading to the rescue of the abductees.
He urged the general public to always provide useful information to security agencies on criminal activities within their communities.
