Army expansion: Troops rescue 16 kidnap victims, recover AK-47 rifles, others in Niger
Nigerian Army Rescues 16 Kidnap Victims in Niger State Operations
The Nigerian Army announced that troops from the 18 Brigade have successfully rescued 16 individuals who were kidnapped and have seized an array of weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and cash during recent operations against terrorism and kidnapping in Niger State.
According to a statement issued by Captain Adebayo Samuel Adewumi, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for HQ 18 Brigade, the operations took place on November 3 and November 5, 2026. These efforts also aimed to disrupt the movement of suspected terrorists in Niger and the neighboring Kebbi State.
On November 5, acting on intelligence reports, troops positioned themselves along a suspected route used by terrorists who were reportedly moving from the Mashegu Local Government Area toward Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area. The soldiers launched an ambush against the armed group, which had previously abducted residents in the vicinity.
During the encounter, the troops neutralized an unspecified number of terrorists and successfully rescued all 16 kidnapped individuals. The operation resulted in significant recoveries, including two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three RPG high-explosive anti-personnel bombs, 33 motorcycles, assorted ammunition, and cash totaling N4,105,000.
In a separate operation on November 3, army troops intercepted another group of suspected terrorists traveling from Makuku Village in Sakaba Local Government Area, Kebbi State, toward Tungan Kawo in Rijau Local Government Area, Niger State. The troops engaged the armed individuals in a fierce gun battle, compelling them to flee into nearby forests, albeit with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of five motorcycles, a mobile phone, N644,300 in cash, and other materials believed to be linked to the group’s activities.
Military authorities confirmed that all 16 rescued victims received first aid before being handed over to relevant agencies for further assistance and reunification with their families. The recovered weapons, motorcycles, and other items have been secured for further investigation and necessary action.
The Commander of the 18 Brigade praised the soldiers for their bravery, resilience, and commitment throughout the operations. He encouraged them to maintain this momentum and intensify efforts to eliminate criminal elements within their operational area.
These recent operations underline the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to enhance its operational capabilities, increase security presence, and respond effectively to emerging threats. The Army stated that these developments will further bolster its capacity to protect vulnerable communities, disrupt criminal networks, and combat terrorist activities across its operational jurisdictions.
