Troops of the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued Major M. D. Josiah, who was abducted by suspected kidnappers on Monday in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Brigade’s spokesperson, Captain Iliyasu Rijau, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday, describing the rescue operation as the result of “meticulous planning, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with community leaders.”
According to reports, Major Josiah had attended a wedding ceremony in Kpakiama community over the weekend. Upon returning to his lodge in Bomadi, armed men attacked in the early hours of Monday.
“The assailants stormed the lodge between 2 a.m. and 2:30 a.m., ransacked the rooms, carted away mobile phones, and whisked the officer into a waiting vehicle,” a source told Vanguard.
Captain Rijau explained that the rescue took place at Tuomor Waterside in Bomadi LGA following coordinated efforts between the Army and local residents.
“This synergy enabled the troops to track down the abductors and rescue the senior officer,” he said.
Major Josiah, however, sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and has since been taken to a medical facility where he is receiving treatment.
The Commander of the 63 Brigade/Sector 1 Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Brigadier General M. A. Shonibare, praised the troops for their “bravery and tactical expertise.”
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to maintaining peace and security in Delta State and its environs,” Shonibare assured, while commending the cooperation of Bomadi communities.
He added that the joint effort “is a testament to the growing trust and partnership between the Army and local communities in the fight against crime.”
Nigeria continues to face a surge in kidnap-for-ransom incidents, with clerics, students, and even security operatives increasingly becoming targets.
