Troops Rescue 16 Abducted Victims, Recover AK-47 Rifles, RPGs In Niger State

The Nigerian Army has announced that its troops of 18 Brigade have rescued 16 kidnapped victims and recovered weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and cash during operations against terrorists and kidnappers in Niger State.

A statement signed by Captain Adebayo Samuel Adewumi, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, HQ 18 Brigade, said the operations, conducted on November 3 and 5, 2026, also disrupted the movements of suspected terrorists operating across parts of Niger and neighbouring Kebbi State.

It said that in the November 5 operation, troops acted on intelligence reports indicating that terrorists were moving from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State.

The statement said that the soldiers subsequently positioned themselves along a suspected terrorist route and launched an ambush against the armed group, which had reportedly abducted residents in the area.

It said that during the encounter, the troops neutralised an unconfirmed number of terrorists and successfully rescued 16 kidnapped persons.

Items recovered from the operation, according to the statement, included two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three RPG high-explosive anti-personnel bombs, 33 motorcycles, assorted ammunition and N4,105,000 in cash.

It added that in a separate operation on November 3, troops intercepted another group of 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.

Adewumi said that the troops engaged the armed men in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to withdraw into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

"A follow-up search of the area resulted in the recovery of five motorcycles, a mobile phone, N644,300 and other items believed to be connected to the group's activities," the statement said.

The military authorities confirmed that all 16 rescued victims had received first aid before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for further assistance and reunification with their families.

The recovered weapons, motorcycles and other materials have also been secured by the military for further investigation and necessary action.

The Commander of 18 Brigade commended the troops for their bravery, resilience and dedication during the operations.

He urged them to maintain the momentum and intensify efforts to eliminate criminal elements operating within the Brigade's Area of Responsibility.

It said that the latest operations highlight the Nigerian Army's efforts to strengthen its operational capacity through the expansion of military formations, improved security presence and enhanced response to threats.

The Army said the development would further improve its ability to protect vulnerable communities, disrupt criminal networks and tackle terrorist activities across its operational areas.