Nineteen kidnapped victims have been successfully rescued during a meticulously coordinated operation conducted in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The rescue mission involved a collaborative effort between troops from the 7 Guards Battalion of the Guards Brigade, the Nigeria Police Force, and local vigilantes, demonstrating a unified front against criminal elements in the region.

The operation was launched around the Gidan Dogo area, following credible intelligence that pinpointed the location of suspects believed to be responsible for the recent abductions of residents from the Byazhin area of Bwari. Upon making contact with the suspected kidnappers, a fierce gun battle ensued. During the exchange of fire, one of the suspects was neutralised, while several others managed to flee the scene, suspected to have sustained gunshot wounds.

Further detailed exploitation of the operation area led to the recovery of significant weaponry, including one AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm. All 19 kidnapped victims were safely rescued during the operation and promptly evacuated to a secure location where they are currently receiving necessary medical attention, ensuring their well-being after the ordeal.

The successful operation was initially reported by Zagazola Makama, a renowned counter-insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region, via a post on X. The details were further corroborated and elaborated upon in a statement released on Saturday by Captain Olawuyi Itunuoluwa, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Guards Brigade. Captain Itunuoluwa underscored the precision and effectiveness of the intelligence-led operation.

Brigadier-General Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, the Commander of the Guards Brigade, extended his commendation to the troops and all collaborating security agencies for their exceptional bravery, professionalism, and unwavering dedication throughout the operation. He reiterated the Guards Brigade's steadfast commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents within the Federal Capital Territory and to diligently protect Abuja as the nation’s seat of power. Brigadier-General Onasanya affirmed that the brigade will continue to intensify its operations in close collaboration with other security agencies, with the primary objective of eradicating kidnapping, terrorism, and all other forms of criminal activities from the territory and its environs.