Nigerian Army troops have neutralized a suspected kidnapper and successfully rescued 19 abducted individuals during a precisely executed search-and-rescue mission in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Following intelligence reports regarding the hideout of terrorists linked to recent abductions in the Byazhin district of Kubwa, the Army carried out a successful raid in the Gidan Dogo area.
Captain Olawuyi Itunuoluwa, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the Headquarters Guards Brigade, confirmed in a statement that the operation was a joint effort involving the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and local vigilante groups.
He noted that the mission was initiated after receiving reliable information about the location of the criminals responsible for the recent kidnappings in Bwari.
He explained, “The troops encountered the kidnappers during the operation, leading to a gun battle in which one of the suspects was killed while others escaped with gunshot wounds.”
During the encounter, security forces engaged the bandits in a firefight, resulting in the death of one suspect, while the remaining members of the gang fled the area with various degrees of injuries.
The Captain further stated that the troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and a locally made firearm from the scene, while ensuring all 19 victims were safely rescued and evacuated.
Itunuoluwa confirmed that the soldiers have returned to their Bwari base and the rescued individuals are currently receiving necessary care. Meanwhile, Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, Commander of the Guards Brigade, praised the bravery of the personnel and the synergy between the different security agencies.
He assured that, “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 also reiterated the brigade’s unwavering dedication to protecting the residents of the FCT and ensuring the security of Abuja as the nation’s capital.
