Residents of Nigeria’s capital breathed a sigh of relief after troops of the 7 Guards Battalion of the Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army, successfully rescued 19 kidnapped victims during a daring security operation in Gidan Dogo, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The rescue mission, carried out in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, followed credible intelligence reports that pinpointed the hideout of terrorists believed to be responsible for the recent abduction of residents in the Byazhin area of Bwari.
According to a statement from the Guards Brigade, troops launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation in the area, leading to a fierce confrontation with the criminals. During the exchange of gunfire, one terrorist was neutralised, while several others reportedly escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
Security forces subsequently conducted a sweep of the area, recovering one AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm, believed to have been used by the kidnappers.
In a major breakthrough, all 19 abducted victims were rescued alive and safely evacuated from the kidnappers’ hideout. They are currently receiving necessary care and attention after the traumatic ordeal.
The Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, praised the courage and professionalism displayed by the troops and other collaborating security agencies during the mission.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of residents in the Federal Capital Territory. This successful operation is a testament to the bravery and dedication of our troops and collaborating agencies,” he said.
Following the operation, troops returned to their Forward Operating Base in Bwari, while maintaining heightened surveillance across the surrounding communities to prevent further criminal activities.
The successful rescue has once again highlighted the importance of intelligence sharing and joint security operations in tackling the growing menace of kidnapping within communities surrounding the nation’s capital.
