Troops of the 7 Guards Battalion, Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army, have rescued 19 kidnapped victims and neutralised a suspected terrorist during a coordinated operation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Olawuyi Itunuoluwa, confirmed in a statement on Saturday that the operation was carried out around Gidan Dogo in Bwari Area Council following credible intelligence on the hideouts of terrorists linked to recent abductions in Byazhin, Bwari.
Working in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, the troops engaged the criminals in a firefight, killing one while others fled with suspected gunshot wounds. Security operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm.
All 19 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued and evacuated to safety. They are currently receiving care, while troops have returned to their Forward Operating Base in Bwari and intensified patrols to prevent further attacks.
Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya, Commander of the Guards Brigade, commended the troops and partner agencies for their bravery and professionalism. He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to safeguarding Abuja and ridding the FCT of terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
Broader Security Context
Nigeria continues to grapple with mounting insecurity, particularly kidnappings by armed bandits targeting communities and travellers. Despite the persistent threat, security forces have recorded notable successes through intelligence-driven operations. Recent missions in Katsina and other states have seen dozens of victims rescued and several bandits neutralised, underscoring ongoing efforts to restore safety across affected regions.
