Troops rescue 19 kidnap victims, kill terrorist in Abuja operation

Troops of the 7 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army, working alongside operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, have rescued 19 kidnap victims during a coordinated search-and-rescue operation around Gidan Dogo.

The operation was carried out in Bwari Area Council within the Federal Capital Territory, following credible intelligence on the location of terrorists responsible for the recent abduction of residents from the Byazhin area.

In a statement issued to defence correspondents in Abuja, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Guards Brigade Headquarters, Olawuyi Odunola Itunuoluwa, said the troops engaged the bandits during the operation, leading to a gun battle.

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According to the statement, one of the criminals was neutralised in the exchange of fire, while several others fled the scene with suspected gunshot wounds.

The military also recovered weapons during the operation, including an AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm.

“All the 19 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued and evacuated to safety,” the statement noted, adding that the troops have since returned to their Forward Operating Base in Bwari while the rescued victims are currently receiving care.

The military further stated that troops will continue to dominate the general area to prevent further criminal activities.

Reacting to the development, the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, commended the troops and collaborating security agencies for their bravery and professionalism during the operation.

He reiterated that the Guards Brigade remains fully committed to protecting residents of the Federal Capital Territory and safeguarding Abuja as the nation’s seat of power.

Onasanya added that the brigade will continue to intensify joint operations with other security agencies to rid the territory and surrounding communities of terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities.