By Bavoriat Clara
Troops of the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade have rescued 19 kidnapped victims and neutralised a suspected terrorist during a coordinated search-and-rescue operation in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Guards Brigade, Lieutenant Odunola Olawuyi, the operation was carried out by troops of the 7 Guards Battalion in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes around Gidan Dogo following credible intelligence on the whereabouts of terrorists responsible for the recent abduction of residents in the Byazhin area of Bwari.
During the operation, troops made contact with the terrorists, leading to a firefight in which one of the criminals was neutralised, while others fled the scene with suspected gunshot wounds.
Further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm as all 19 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued and evacuated to safety as the troops have since returned to their Forward Operating Base in Bwari, while the rescued victims are currently receiving necessary attention.
Meanwhile, the Commander Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, commended the troops and collaborating security agencies for their bravery and professionalism during the operation.
He reiterated that the Guards Brigade remains resolute and fully committed to safeguarding residents of the Federal Capital Territory and protecting Abuja as the nation’s seat of power.
Brigadier General Onasanya further assured that the Brigade will intensify operations in collaboration with other security agencies to rid the territory and its environs of terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
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