In a daring operation over the weekend, troops from the 7 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army’s Guards Brigade successfully rescued 19 individuals who had been abducted in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
During the mission, a suspected terrorist was neutralised in a gunfire exchange with soldiers.
The military action took place in Gidan Dogo, Bwari Area Council, following intelligence that revealed the location of the criminals responsible for the recent kidnappings in the Byazhin area.
According to the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Olawuyi Itunuoluwa, the operation involved joint efforts with the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilante units.
“Troops engaged the kidnappers after making contact, leading to a firefight. One of the perpetrators was killed while the others fled, apparently wounded,” Itunuoluwa said.
Security forces recovered an AK-47 rifle and a locally manufactured firearm during the operation.
The rescued victims were immediately taken to safety and are now receiving medical and humanitarian support.
The Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya, praised the professionalism and bravery of the troops and allied security personnel, emphasising the Army’s ongoing commitment to protecting residents of Abuja and ensuring peace in the FCT.
“The Guards Brigade will continue to collaborate with other security agencies to eliminate terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal threats in the territory,” Onasanya stated.
The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, where kidnappings and armed attacks have increasingly targeted communities, travellers, and civilians.
Despite these threats, security agencies have recorded several operational successes in recent years, rescuing victims and dismantling criminal networks through intelligence-led missions.
Operations like the Gidan Dogo raid reflect the continuing strategy of joint military and law enforcement engagement, combining ground patrols, community intelligence, and rapid response to curb violent crimes and restore public safety.
