Troops Rescue 19 Kidnap Hostages, Neutralise Terrorist in Bwari
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 19 kidnapped victims and neutralised a suspected terrorist during a coordinated security operation in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, authorities said on Saturday.
The rescue operation was carried out by troops of the Guards Brigade in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes.
According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Olawuyi Odunola Itunuoluwa, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations at the Headquarters Guards Brigade, the operation was launched following credible intelligence on the hideout of terrorists responsible for the recent abduction of residents in the Byazhin area of Bwari Area Council.
The troops, drawn from the 7 Guards Battalion, conducted a search-and-rescue mission around Gidan Dogo in Bwari, where they made contact with the kidnappers.
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“A firefight ensued during the operation, resulting in the neutralisation of one of the criminals, while others fled the scene with suspected gunshot wounds,” the statement said.
Security operatives subsequently combed the area and recovered one AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm.
All 19 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued and evacuated to safety, according to the military.
Following the operation, the troops returned to their Forward Operating Base in Bwari, while the rescued victims are currently receiving necessary attention.
The Army said troops would continue to maintain a strong presence in the area to prevent further criminal activities.
Commander of the Guards Brigade, Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, commended the troops and other security agencies involved in the operation for their bravery and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents in the Federal Capital Territory.
Onasanya also stressed that the Guards Brigade would sustain joint operations with other security agencies to rid the territory and surrounding areas of terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities, while safeguarding Abuja as Nigeria’s seat of power.
By PRNigeria
