Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 19 kidnapped victims and neutralised a suspected terrorist during a coordinated security operation in Abuja.
The Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Headquarters Guards Brigade, Olawuyi Itunuoluwa, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
According to the statement, the operation was conducted around Gidan Dogo following credible intelligence on the whereabouts of terrorists responsible for the recent abduction of residents in the Byazhin area.
The troops from the Guards Brigade carried out the operation in collaboration with operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes.
During the raid, troops reportedly engaged the bandits in a firefight.
“During the operation, troops 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,” the statement said.
Security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm during the operation.
“Additionally, all 19 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued and evacuated to safety,” the Army spokesperson added.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention, while the troops have returned to their Forward Operating Base in Bwari and are continuing patrols in the area to prevent further criminal activities.
The Commander of the Guards Brigade, Adebisi Onasanya, commended the troops and other security agencies for their bravery and professionalism during the mission.
He reiterated the brigade’s commitment to protecting residents of the Federal Capital Territory and safeguarding Abuja as the nation’s seat of power.
“The Guards 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,” the statement added.
Security concerns
Kidnapping and banditry have remained major security challenges across Nigeria, with armed groups targeting communities, travellers and residents for ransom.
Despite the persistent threat, security forces have recorded several successes through intelligence-driven operations and coordinated raids on criminal hideouts.
For instance, in August 2025, authorities reported that troops killed seven armed bandits and recovered four motorcycles during a security operation in Kankara Local Government Area after intelligence revealed the movement of criminal elements terrorising farming communities.
Similarly, the Nigerian Air Force conducted air strikes targeting the hideout of notorious bandit kingpin Babaro at Pauwa Hill, leading to the rescue of 76 kidnapped victims, including women and children.
Authorities say such operations are part of ongoing efforts by the military and other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks and restore security in affected communities.
What you should know
The Guards Brigade is a special formation of the Nigerian Army responsible for the security of the Federal Capital Territory and protection of key national assets, including the presidency.
Its troops frequently conduct intelligence-led operations in collaboration with other security agencies to counter kidnapping, banditry and terrorism around Abuja and neighbouring areas.
