Operatives of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force in the Federal Capital Territory, the Department of State Services, and local vigilantes have rescued 20 kidnapped victims during a joint operation in the Federal Capital Territory.
In a separate operation in Enugu State, troops of the 82 Division Nigerian Army under Operation Eastern Sanity rescued 12 kidnapped victims and arrested two suspects in the Ette community, located in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area over the weekend.
Police authorities in the FCT disclosed that between Thursday and Friday, security operatives launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission following credible intelligence that kidnappers fleeing security operations in Gauraka Forest had moved into Gidan Dogo Forest and Kweri Forest, taking their victims with them.
Acting on the intelligence, the officer in charge of the anti-kidnapping unit led a combined tactical team into the forests to track down the suspected criminals.
The spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the development. She explained that the operation led to the successful rescue of 20 victims who had been abducted from Byazhin District in Abuja as well as Gauraka and Tafa.
Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the police through the command’s emergency lines.
The rescue followed attacks carried out on Wednesday and Thursday nights when terrorists stormed Byazhin, a community in Kubwa, abducting several residents, including children, and killing a local night guard. The criminals had reportedly contacted the community and demanded ransom before security forces intervened.
In a statement issued by the acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army, Odunola Olawuyi, troops encountered the terrorists during the operation, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. One of the terrorists was killed, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
The statement added that troops would continue to patrol and dominate the area to prevent further criminal activities.
The Commander of the Guards Brigade, Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, commended the troops and other security agencies involved in the operation for their bravery and professionalism. He reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to protecting residents of Abuja and securing the nation’s capital.
Meanwhile, in Enugu State, troops of the 82 Division Garrison under Operation Eastern Sanity carried out another successful rescue mission in the Ette community after receiving a distress call about the abduction of several residents by suspected kidnappers.
According to a statement released by the Nigerian Army on social media, soldiers responded swiftly alongside police officers, forest guards, and members of the neighborhood watch. The joint team advanced into the suspected hideout where the victims were believed to have been held.
During the operation, 12 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued, and two suspects were arrested. Authorities say investigations are ongoing as security forces continue efforts to track down other members of the criminal gang.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to strengthen collaboration and improve the protection of lives and property across the country.