The Nigerian Army has rescued 19 kidnapped residents and neutralised one bandit during a coordinated operation in Gidan Dogo, located in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
The rescue operation followed credible intelligence on the whereabouts of terrorists responsible for the recent abduction of residents from the Byazhin area.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Olawuyi Itunuoluwa, the Army said troops of the 7 Guards Battalion, Guards Brigade, worked alongside the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes to carry out the operation.
According to the statement, the joint team “successfully rescued 19 kidnapped victims during a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.”
During the mission, troops encountered the kidnappers, leading to a firefight.
“Troops made contact with the bandits, resulting in a firefight in which one of the criminals was neutralised, while others fled the scene with suspected gunshot wounds,” the statement said.
Security personnel later conducted a search of the area and recovered one AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm.
The Commander of the Guards Brigade, Adebisi Onasanya, commended the troops and collaborating security agencies for what he described as their bravery and professionalism during the operation.
He reaffirmed that the Brigade remains committed to protecting residents of the Federal Capital Territory and safeguarding Abuja as Nigeria’s seat of power.
The Army added that troops will continue to maintain a strong presence in the area to prevent further criminal activities and intensify operations with other security agencies to combat terrorism, kidnapping and related crimes in the territory.