Nigerian Army freed 19 captives and killed a kidnapper during a synchronized raid in Gidan Dogo, located within the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
The mission was launched after security forces received reliable tips regarding the location of the gang linked to the recent snatching of locals from the Byazhin district.
According to a Saturday press release by Olawuyi Itunuoluwa, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, soldiers from the 7 Guards Battalion joined forces with the Nigeria Police and community watchgroups to “successfully rescued 19 kidnapped victims during a coordinated search and rescue operation.”
The military confirmed that as the team moved in, they “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.”
While scouring the surrounding landscape, the security team managed to seize “one AK-47 rifle and one locally fabricated firearm.”
Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya, who leads the Guards Brigade, praised the soldiers and their partners “for their bravery and professionalism during the operation.”
The General stressed that his command stays “resolute and fully committed to safeguarding residents of the Federal Capital Territory and protecting Abuja as the nation’s seat of power.”
Moving forward, the Army stated that its units will “continue to dominate the general area to forestall further criminal activities” while stepping up joint efforts “to rid the territory and its environs of terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.”