By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Nigerian Army attached to the Guards Brigade have rescued 19 kidnapped victims and neutralised a terrorist during a coordinated search and rescue operation in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
The operation, carried out by troops of the 7 Guards Battalion in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, took place around the Gidan Dogo area following credible intelligence on the location of terrorists responsible for the recent abduction of residents from the Byazhin axis of Bwari.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, Headquarters Guards Brigade, Lieutenant Itunuoluwa Odunola.
According to the statement, the joint security team launched the operation after receiving intelligence that led them to the suspected hideout of the criminals. Upon arrival at the location, troops made contact with the terrorists, leading to a fierce firefight.
During the exchange of gunfire, one of the criminals was neutralised, while others fled the scene with suspected gunshot wounds.
Subsequent exploitation of the area by the troops led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm believed to have been used by the criminals in their operations.
The troops also successfully rescued all 19 kidnapped victims, who were immediately evacuated to safety. The victims are currently receiving attention following their ordeal.
After the successful operation, the troops returned to their Forward Operating Base in Bwari while security forces continue to dominate the general area to prevent further criminal activities.
Reacting to the development, the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, commended the troops and collaborating security agencies for their courage, professionalism and swift response during the operation.
He reaffirmed that the Guards Brigade remains fully committed to protecting residents of the Federal Capital Territory and safeguarding Abuja as the nation’s seat of power.
The commander added that the Brigade would continue to intensify operations in collaboration with other security agencies to rid the territory and surrounding communities of kidnapping, terrorism and other criminal threats.
