Troops of 7 Guards Battalion, Guards Brigade Nigerian Army, in conjunction with elements of the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, have successfully rescued 19 kidnapped victims during a coordinated search and rescue operation conducted around Gidan Dogo in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, Headquarters Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army, Abuja, Lt. Olawuyi Itunuoluwa, disclosed this in a statement issued to NATIONAL ACCORD on Saturday in Abuja.
Lt. Itunuoluwa said the operation was launched following credible intelligence on the whereabouts of terrorists responsible for the recent abduction of residents from the Byazhin area of Bwari.
He said 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.
“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”, he said.
The military spokesman said troops have since returned to their Forward Operating Base in Bwari, while the rescued victims are currently receiving attention.
“Troops will continue to dominate the general area to forestall further criminal activities”, he added
Speaking on the development, the Commander Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, has commended the troops and collaborating security agencies for their bravery and professionalism during the operation.
He further reiterated that 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.
“The Brigade will continue to intensify operations in collaboration with other security agencies to rid the territory and its environs of terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities”, he said.
The Nigerian Army has refuted reports claiming over 40 soldiers were killed in recent Borno attacks, saying troops fought gallantly to repel Boko Haram terrorists and protect civilians.