Army, police joint operation frees 19 kidnap victims in Abuja
A joint operation by troops of the Nigerian Army and operatives of the Nigeria Police Force has led to the rescue of 19 kidnapped victims in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
The search-and-rescue operation was carried out around Gidan Dogo following intelligence reports on the location of suspected kidnappers linked to the recent abduction of residents in the Byazhin area.
In a statement on Saturday, the acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Headquarters Guards Brigade, Olawuyi Itunuoluwa, said the operation was conducted with support from local vigilantes as part of coordinated efforts to track down the criminals.
He explained that troops made contact with the suspected kidnappers during the operation, resulting in a gun battle in which one of the bandits was killed while others fled with suspected gunshot wounds.
Further search of the area led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm believed to belong to the fleeing suspects.
“All 19 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued and evacuated to safety after the troops made contact with the bandits during the operation,” Itunuoluwa said.
The Commander of the Guards Brigade, Adebisi Onasanya, commended the troops, police personnel and other security operatives for their bravery and professionalism during the joint mission.
He assured residents that security forces would continue to intensify operations across the territory to curb kidnapping, terrorism and other criminal activities while safeguarding lives and property in the nation’s capital.
