By Ben Adoga, Abuja
Troops of the 7 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade, working alongside operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, have rescued 19 kidnapped victims in Byazhin community of Kubwa in Bwari Area Council of the FCT, killing the bandit holding them hostage.
The operation was launched following credible intelligence on the hideout of terrorists responsible for the recent abduction of residents in the Byazhin area of Abuja.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Olawuyi Itunuoluwa.
According to the statement, troops of the 7 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade, working alongside operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, carried out a coordinated search-and-rescue operation that led to the successful rescue of the abducted victims.
It noted that the troops encountered the criminals during the operation, leading to a fierce gun battle.
The statement read in part, “Troops of the 7 Guards Battalion, Guards Brigade, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, successfully rescued 19 kidnapped victims during a coordinated search and rescue operation.
“During the operation, troops made contact with the bandits, leading to a firefight in which one of the criminals was neutralised, while others fled the scene with suspected gunshot wounds.
“Following the encounter, security forces conducted a further search of the surrounding area, which led to the recovery of weapons believed to have been used by the criminals.”
According to the Army, the recovered items include one AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm.
The Army spokesperson noted that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle kidnapping networks operating within and around the nation’s capital.
Reacting to the successful operation, the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Adebisi Onasanya, commended the troops and other security agencies that participated in the mission.
He praised their bravery and professionalism during the rescue effort.
Onasanya reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to protecting residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
He said the Guards Brigade remained “resolute and fully committed to safeguarding residents of the Federal Capital Territory and protecting Abuja as the nation’s seat of power.”
The Army further assured residents of the FCT that troops would continue aggressive patrols and security operations in the area to prevent further attacks by criminal elements.
It stated that troops would “continue to dominate the general area to forestall further criminal activities” while intensifying collaboration with other security agencies.
The statement added that the military was determined to rid the FCT and its environs of terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities threatening the safety of residents of the FCT.
