Security Forces Rescue 19 Kidnap Victims in Abuja After Gun Battle With Bandits

Security operatives have rescued at least 19 people abducted by suspected kidnappers in communities within the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, following a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

The operation was carried out by troops of the Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army, working alongside officers of the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, after receiving intelligence on the location of the kidnappers.

According to military authorities, the security team traced the suspected criminals to a hideout around Gidan Dogo, where they engaged the kidnappers in a firefight.

During the operation, one suspected bandit was killed, while others fled the scene with gunshot wounds. Security forces subsequently combed the area and recovered one AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm believed to have been used by the kidnappers.

“All the kidnapped victims were successfully rescued and evacuated to safety,” a statement from the Guards Brigade said.

The victims were abducted earlier during attacks on communities around the Byazhin axis of Bwari, an area that has recently experienced a rise in kidnapping incidents targeting residents.

Authorities said the rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention and support, while troops have intensified patrols in the area to prevent further criminal activities.

The Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier-General Adebisi Onasanya, commended the troops and collaborated security agencies for their professionalism and bravery during the rescue mission.

He also assured residents that security forces remain committed to protecting the Federal Capital Territory and eliminating kidnapping and other forms of criminality in the region.

Security operatives added that further operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the kidnapping network operating around the Abuja suburbs.