Jubilation in Bwari as Joint Army, DSS and Police Operation Rescues 25 Kidnap Victims

There was widespread jubilation over the weekend in Gidandogo and Byazhin communities in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) after a joint operation by the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force led to the rescue of 25 kidnapped victims.

Community sources disclosed that the victims—comprising 14 men, six women, and five children—were abducted during the first week of March by bandits operating around the communities.
According to the sources, a gun battle between security operatives and the bandits resulted in the killing of two suspected kidnappers. The operation also led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated shotgun.
The rescue mission followed reports of several abductions in Peze and Byazhin communities within the council, as well as nearby communities bordering Kaduna and Niger states.
Community leaders and residents commended the security agencies for the successful operation, noting that it has brought relief to many communities in the area council.
Speaking with reporters, the community leader of Zone D in Ushafa specifically praised the DSS for “working tirelessly with the communities to gather intelligence that led to the rescue operation.”
He also appreciated the secret police for what he described as their “consistent follow-up on the case even before the rescue operation,” assuring that members of the community would continue to cooperate with the DSS.
Similarly, the Village Head of Byazhin ward commended the Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Tosin Ajayi, for his commitment to addressing insecurity and for what he described as his humane approach to the people.
He thanked the service for prioritising the safety of residents and prayed for divine protection and strength for the operatives.
The rescued victims, who have since been reunited with their families, narrated their ordeal and expressed gratitude to the DSS and other security agencies for saving their lives.
“I want to thank the agencies for their swift response which saved our lives. Today we are at the Army barracks where we have received treatment and are being taken care of. May God continue to give them the strength to keep freeing Nigeria from these bad elements that have been disturbing the peace of the country,” one of the victims said.
In a related development, a suspected bandit informant identified as Habila Abraham was arrested by the DSS.
Sources disclosed that he is currently in DSS custody and will be arraigned in court.