Troops of Nigerian Army have rescued 19 kidnapped victims during a coordinated security operation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following intelligence on the activities of armed criminals around Bwari Area Council of Abuja.
Gatekeepers News reports that the rescue operation was carried out by troops of the 7 Guards Battalion of the Guards Brigade, working together with operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes. The mission targeted kidnappers believed to be responsible for the recent abduction of residents in the Byazhin area of Bwari.
Security authorities said the troops launched a search-and-rescue mission around Gidan Dogo, where they encountered the kidnappers. The confrontation resulted in a gun battle during which one of the suspected kidnappers was killed, while others escaped from the scene with possible gunshot wounds.
During the operation, security operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm believed to have been used by the criminals. The kidnapped victims were successfully freed and taken to safety.
According to the army, the rescued individuals are currently receiving medical attention, while troops have returned to their Forward Operating Base in Bwari and are continuing patrols in the area to prevent further criminal activities.
Authorities added that security forces will maintain a strong presence in the affected communities as part of ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and banditry in the Federal Capital Territory and its surrounding areas.
