The Nigerian Army says its troops have rescued 19 kidnapped victims during a coordinated search-and-rescue operation around Gidan Dogo in the Bwari area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement on Saturday, Olawuyi Itunuoluwa, acting assistant director of army public relations at the headquarters guards brigade, said the operation was carried out with operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes.
According to the army, the operation followed credible intelligence on the whereabouts of armed criminals responsible for the recent abduction of residents in the Byazhin area of Bwari.
“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,” the statement said.
The army added that troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm during the operation.
Security forces also successfully rescued all 19 kidnapped victims and evacuated them to safety.
The statement said the victims are currently receiving care after the rescue, while the troops have returned to their base in Bwari.
The army added that security forces will continue to maintain a strong presence in the area to prevent further criminal activities.
Meanwhile, Adebisi Onasanya, commander of the guards brigade, commended the troops and other security agencies involved in the operation for their bravery and professionalism.
Onasanya reiterated that the guards brigade remains committed to safeguarding residents of the Abuja area and protecting the nation’s capital.
He added that the brigade would intensify operations with other security agencies to tackle terrorism, kidnapping, and related crimes across the territory and surrounding areas.
