Army Rescues Senior Officer Abducted By Gunmen In Delta

Determined to act quickly and effectively against security threats, troops of the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have rescued a senior officer who gunmen abducted in Bomadi, Delta State.

The officer, Major M.D. Josiah, was kidnapped in the early hours of Monday, when armed men stormed his lodge in Bomadi after he attended a wedding in nearby Kpakiama community.

The kidnappers, who fired gunshots during the attack, seized phones from other guests before whisking him away in a vehicle while the abandoned vehicle was later found in Tuomo community.

Following the abduction, soldiers launched a major rescue effort, with the help of intelligence gathering and the cooperation of community leaders and residents, the troops were able to track the kidnappers to Tuomor Waterside in Bomadi local government area of the state.

According to Captain Iliyasu Bawa Rijau, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, on September 9, 2025, the Army carried out a daring and precise operation that led to the officer’s rescue.
During the mission, Major Josiah sustained gunshot wounds, but he was immediately evacuated to a medical facility, where he is receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

The Commander of 63 Brigade and Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation DELTA SAFE, Brigadier General M.A. Shonibare, praised the troops for their bravery and professionalism.
He also commended the Bomadi communities for their cooperation, describing it as proof of the growing trust between the Army and local people in the fight against criminality.

Brigadier General Shonibare assured residents that the Army remains committed to protecting lives and maintaining peace across Delta State and its surrounding areas.

Rijau said the successful rescue operation is being seen as a strong demonstration of the Army’s ability to act quickly and effectively against security threats.