Troops rescue 19 kidnap victims in Abuja

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 7 Guards Battalion, under the Guards Brigade, have rescued 19 kidnapped victims during a joint security operation in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

The operation, carried out in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, took place around Gidan Dogo following credible intelligence on the hideout of suspects linked to the recent abduction of residents in the Byazhin area of Bwari.

Security sources said troops encountered the suspected kidnappers during the operation, resulting in a gun battle.

During the exchange of fire, one of the suspects was neutralised, while others reportedly escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.

Further search of the area led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm.

All 19 kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation and safely evacuated from the scene. They are currently receiving medical attention.

After the operation, the troops returned to their Forward Operating Base in Bwari.

The Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, commended the troops and other security agencies for their bravery and professionalism.

He reiterated the brigade’s commitment to safeguarding residents of the Federal Capital Territory and protecting Abuja as the nation’s seat of power.

Onasanya added that the Guards Brigade would continue to intensify operations in collaboration with other security agencies to rid the territory and surrounding areas of kidnapping, terrorism and other criminal activities.