Abuja, Nigeria — Saturday, March 7, 2026
Troops of the 7 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army, under the Guards Brigade, in conjunction with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, have successfully rescued 19 kidnapped victims during a coordinated search and rescue operation conducted around Gidan Dogo in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
The operation was launched following credible intelligence on the location of terrorists responsible for the recent abduction of residents from the Byazhin area of Bwari.
During the operation, troops made contact with the bandits, resulting in a firefight in which one of the criminals was neutralised, while others fled the scene with suspected gunshot wounds.
Further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm. All 19 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued and evacuated to safety.
Following the operation, troops returned to their Forward Operating Base in Bwari, while the rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention and necessary care.
Security forces have continued to dominate the general area to prevent further criminal activities and ensure the safety of residents.
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 reiterated that the Guards Brigade remains resolute and fully committed to safeguarding residents of the Federal Capital Territory and protecting Abuja as the nation’s seat of power. He added that 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.