The Nigerian Army, alongside personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, have rescued 19 kidnap victims during a search-and-rescue operation around Gidan Dogo in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

The Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the Guards Brigade, Odunola Olawuyi, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

According to him, the operation was launched following credible intelligence on the hideouts of terrorists responsible for the recent abduction of residents in the Byazhin area of Bwari Area Council in Abuja.

“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,” Olawuyi said.

He added that further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm, while all 19 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued and evacuated to safety.

The troops have since returned to their Forward Operating Base in Bwari, while the rescued victims are receiving medical attention as security personnel continue to secure the area.

The Commander of the Guards Brigade, Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, commended the troops and collaborating security agencies for their bravery and professionalism during the operation.

He reaffirmed that the Guards Brigade remains committed to safeguarding residents of the Federal Capital Territory and protecting Abuja as the nation’s seat of power.

“The Brigade will continue to intensify operations in collaboration with other security agencies to rid the territory and its environs of terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities,” Olawuyi added.