Troops of the 7 Guards Battalion under the Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army have rescued 19 kidnapped victims during a security operation in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The search-and-rescue mission was carried out around the Gidan Dogo area following intelligence reports on the whereabouts of suspected terrorists linked to the recent abduction of residents from the Byazhin community in Bwari.
According to military authorities, the troops conducted the operation in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilante groups.
During the raid, security operatives reportedly engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle. One of the suspected terrorists was killed, while others fled the scene with what were believed to be gunshot injuries.
After securing the area, troops carried out a sweep and recovered an AK-47 rifle along with a locally fabricated firearm.
All 19 victims were successfully rescued and evacuated to safety. The military said the victims are currently receiving necessary care and attention.
Following the operation, the troops returned to their Forward Operating Base in Bwari but are expected to continue patrols and surveillance in the area to prevent further criminal activities.
The Commander of the Guards Brigade, Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, commended the soldiers and other security personnel involved in the operation for their courage and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Guards Brigade to protecting residents of the Federal Capital Territory and maintaining security in Abuja, the nationās seat of power.
Onasanya added that the brigade would continue working with other security agencies to strengthen operations aimed at tackling kidnapping, terrorism and other criminal activities in the FCT and surrounding communities.