Troops of the 7 Guards Battalion of the Guards Brigade have rescued 19 kidnapped victims during a joint operation with the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
The operation was conducted around Gidan Dogo following credible intelligence on the location of terrorists responsible for the recent abduction of residents in the Byazhin area of Bwari.
Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Guards Brigade, Lieutenant Olawuyi Odunola Itunuoluwa, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
According to her, the troops engaged the criminals in a firefight during the rescue mission.
“During the operation, 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,” she said.
She added that troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm during the operation.
“Further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and one locally fabricated firearm. Additionally, all 19 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued and evacuated to safety,” she stated.
The army spokesperson explained that the troops have since returned to their Forward Operating Base in Bwari while the rescued victims are receiving necessary attention.
She added that security forces would continue to maintain strong operational presence in the area.
“Troops will continue to dominate the general area to forestall further criminal activities,” she said.
According to her, the Commander Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, commended the troops and other security agencies involved in the operation for their bravery and professionalism.
“The Guards Brigade remains resolute and fully committed to safeguarding residents of the Federal Capital Territory and protecting Abuja as the nation’s seat of power,” she added.
Troops rescue 19 kidnap victims, kill terrorist in Bwari operation
