Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued 19 residents who were abducted by bandits during a coordinated security operation carried out in the Federal Capital Territory.
The operation took place in Gidan Dogo, Bwari Area Council of Abuja, following intelligence reports that led security operatives to the hideout of the kidnappers believed to be responsible for the recent abduction of residents in the Byazhin area.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Saturday, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Olawuyi Itunuoluwa, said troops of the 7 Guards Battalion, Guards Brigade, working alongside the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, carried out a successful search-and-rescue mission.
According to the statement, “troops of the 7 Guards Battalion, Guards Brigade, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes successfully rescued 19 kidnapped victims during a coordinated search and rescue operation.”
The Army further disclosed that the troops encountered the bandits during the operation, which led to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
It stated that “troops made contact with the bandits, leading to a firefight in which one of the criminals was neutralised, while others fled the scene with suspected gunshot wounds.”
During the follow-up search of the area, security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm believed to have been used by the criminals.
The Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya, commended the troops and other collaborating security agencies for their courage and professionalism during the operation.
He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to maintaining security within the Federal Capital Territory.
Onasanya stated that the Brigade remains “resolute and fully committed to safeguarding residents of the Federal Capital Territory and protecting Abuja as the nation’s seat of power.”
The Army also assured that troops would continue to monitor and dominate the area to prevent further criminal activities.
According to the statement, security forces will intensify joint operations with other agencies “to rid the territory and its environs of terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.”