Guards Brigade operation in Bwari disrupts bandit hideout linked to recent abductions
By A1 News International
Abuja, Nigeria — March 08, 2026
Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed a suspected terrorist and rescued 19 kidnapped victims during a coordinated security operation in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory. The raid targeted a criminal hideout linked to recent abductions in the outskirts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing security challenges in the nation’s capital.
What Happened
The operation was carried out by soldiers of the 7 Guards Battalion under the Guards Brigade, following intelligence reports that armed kidnappers responsible for attacks in the Byazhin axis were sheltering around Gidan Dogo in Bwari Area Council.
According to Lieutenant Olawuyi Itunuoluwa, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the mission involved a joint task team comprising military personnel, police operatives, and local vigilantes.
Gun Battle and Rescue Operation
Troops reportedly engaged the suspects shortly after storming the hideout, triggering a gun battle as the criminals attempted to flee.
“One of the criminals was neutralised while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds,” the Army said.
Security operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm at the scene. All 19 abducted victims were successfully rescued and evacuated to safety without further casualties.
Security Sweep Intensifies
Following the operation, troops returned to their Forward Operating Base in Bwari and have since intensified patrols across surrounding communities to prevent retaliatory attacks or regrouping by fleeing suspects.
Commander of the Guards Brigade, Adebisi Onasanya, commended the troops and collaborating agencies for their professionalism and coordination.
He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to securing the Federal Capital Territory and protecting Abuja as the nation’s administrative hub.
“The Guards Brigade will continue to intensify operations with other security agencies to rid the territory of terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities,” the statement said.
Background: Persistent Kidnapping Threat
Kidnapping remains a major security concern across Nigeria, with criminal networks targeting rural communities, highways, and peri-urban settlements for ransom.
Although security agencies have recorded intermittent successes through intelligence-led operations, attacks persist, particularly in areas bordering the Federal Capital Territory.
Recent military offensives in northern Nigeria have resulted in the rescue of victims and the disruption of several bandit enclaves, but analysts say the threat remains fluid and adaptive.
Why It Matters
The operation highlights both progress and pressure within Nigeria’s security architecture. While successful rescues reinforce the value of intelligence-driven interventions, the proximity of such incidents to Abuja raises critical concerns about the vulnerability of communities surrounding the capital.
Sustained coordination among security agencies, alongside proactive surveillance, will be key to containing the evolving kidnapping threat.
The development raises fresh concerns about accountability and oversight in Nigeria’s public institutions.
![Nigerian military prepares to cordon the area where a man was killed by suspected rebel fighters during an attack around the Polo area of Maiduguri, Nigeria, in 2019 [File: Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters]](https://a1news.com.ng/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Nigeria-military-on-patrol.webp)
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