Troops of the 18 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have rescued nine kidnapped victims and thwarted multiple terrorist attacks during separate military operations in Mariga and Rijau Local Government Areas of Niger State.
The successful operations were carried out as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate terrorist activities and other forms of criminality within the brigade’s area of responsibility.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Captain Adebayo Adewumi, troops of the Nigerian Army Training Centre Admin Battalion stationed in Kotonkoro rescued nine kidnapped victims during an offensive operation conducted in Mariga Local Government Area on August 12.
The rescued victims were later handed over to officials of the Mariga Local Government for proper documentation and reunification with their families.
In another operation carried out on the same day, troops on a fighting patrol in the Warari area of Rijau Local Government Area successfully cleared a terrorist ambush.
Following the operation, security personnel recovered seven motorcycles, one camel, 47 cattle, and 18 sheep suspected to have been stolen from nearby communities.
Related News:
Police Recover Nine Bodies Along Niger Road, Suspected Bandit Victims
Flood Ravages Niger Communities, Destroys Properties Worth ₦100m
Joint Security Forces Rescue 308 Kidnap Victims in Kwara, Niger
The recovered livestock were subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities.
Earlier, on August 10, troops from the brigade’s Quick Response Force, working alongside personnel from the 311 Artillery Regiment and the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Battalion X, prevented an attempted terrorist infiltration around Inana Village, Majal, and Tunga Bisallah in Rijau Local Government Area.
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops intercepted terrorists who were reportedly approaching the communities on motorcycles. The attackers fled into a nearby forest after spotting the advancing security forces.
During the pursuit, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, ammunition of various calibres, and one motorcycle, while six additional motorcycles used by the terrorists were destroyed.
The Commander of the 18 Brigade commended the troops for their courage, resilience, and professionalism, urging them to sustain the momentum in the fight against terrorism.
He also called on security personnel to continue working closely with local communities by leveraging credible intelligence to disrupt criminal activities and deny terrorists freedom of movement.
The Army maintained that the recent successes reflect the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, to intensify military operations and strengthen efforts aimed at combating terrorism and other security threats across the country.
About The Author
