Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 16 kidnapped victims and recovered weapons, ammunition, 33 motorcycles and over ₦4.7 million during separate operations against terrorists and suspected kidnappers in Niger State.
The operations, carried out by troops of the 18 Brigade, followed intelligence reports on the movement of suspected terrorists across parts of Niger and neighbouring Kebbi State.
According to the Army, the first operation took place on November 5, 2026, after troops received information about the movement of terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area.
The troops reportedly laid an ambush along the suspected route and engaged the armed criminals, who had earlier abducted residents of the area. The encounter resulted in the rescue of 16 victims, while an unconfirmed number of the attackers were neutralised.
Items recovered during the operation included two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs, 33 motorcycles, assorted ammunition and ₦4,105,000 in cash.
In a separate operation conducted on November 3, troops intercepted suspected terrorists travelling from Makuku Village in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State towards Tungan Kawo in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.
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The suspects reportedly engaged the soldiers in a gun battle before retreating into a nearby forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of five motorcycles, a mobile phone, ₦644,300 and other items.
The Army confirmed that the 16 rescued victims had received first aid before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families.
The Commander of 18 Brigade commended the troops for their bravery and urged them to sustain the ongoing operations against criminal elements.
The Army maintained that the successes reflected its growing operational capacity, improved security presence and commitment to disrupting criminal networks and protecting vulnerable communities.
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