Nigerian Army rescues 16 abducted victims, recovers weapons, 33 motorcycles in Niger State

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Brigade have rescued 16 kidnapped victims and recovered weapons, ammunition and logistics items during separate operations against terrorists and kidnappers in Niger State.

The military disclosed in a post on its X handle on Friday, that the operations were carried out based on intelligence reports on the movement of criminal elements within parts of Niger and neighbouring Kebbi states.

According to the Army, troops on 5 November laid an ambush along suspected terrorist routes after receiving information that armed criminals were moving from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area.

During the operation, troops engaged the terrorists, who had reportedly abducted residents of the area. An unconfirmed number of the criminals were neutralised, while 16 kidnapped victims were rescued. Items recovered from the operation included AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) high-explosive anti-personnel bombs, 33 motorcycles, assorted ammunition and cash amounting to ₦4.105 million.

In a separate operation conducted on 3 November, 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.

The soldiers engaged the suspects in a firefight, forcing them to retreat into nearby forests with what the Army described as varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

Military authorities said the successful operations reflect the Nigerian Army’s growing operational capacity, improved presence and enhanced ability to respond swiftly to security threats, disrupt criminal networks and protect local communities.