Nigerian Army rescues abducted senior officer in Delta

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

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Brigade’s spokesperson, Captain Iliyasu Rijau, who praised the swift response of the troops in securing the officer’s release.

According to earlier reports, Major Josiah had attended a wedding ceremony in Kpakiama community over the weekend. He later returned to his lodge in Bomadi town, where armed men launched a midnight attack between 2 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. The gunmen reportedly ransacked rooms, seized mobile phones, and whisked the officer 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.