By Kazeem Waris
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Brigade have rescued 16 kidnapped victims and recovered two AK-47 rifles, three rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs and 33 motorcycles during separate operations against terrorists and kidnappers in Niger State.
The operations, conducted between November 3 and 5, 2026, also led to the recovery of ammunition, seven AK-47 magazines and cash totalling N4.1 million, in what the military described as a major disruption of criminal networks operating across parts of Niger and neighbouring Kebbi State.
The Brigade’s spokesman, Captain Adebayo Samuel Adewumi, disclosed this on Friday, saying the latest operation followed credible intelligence about the movement of terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to Adewumi, troops deployed along suspected terrorist routes on November 5 and successfully ambushed the armed group.
“The troops made contact with the criminals, who had earlier abducted residents of the area, neutralising an unconfirmed number and rescuing 16 victims,” he said.
Items recovered during the operation included two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three RPG high-explosive anti-personnel bombs, 33 motorcycles, assorted ammunition and N4,105,000 in cash.
The military spokesman said the operation followed another successful interception carried out on November 3, when troops intercepted terrorists moving from Makuku Village in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State towards Tungan Kawo in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.
He said the troops engaged the armed men in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
“A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of five motorcycles, a mobile phone, N644,300 and other sundry items,” Adewumi stated.
Rescued victims unite with families
The Brigade spokesman disclosed that the 16 rescued victims had received first aid and were subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families.
He added that all recovered weapons, ammunition and other items remained in military custody for further action.
The Commander of 18 Brigade commended the troops for their gallantry, resilience and commitment to duty, urging them to sustain the operational momentum and intensify efforts to rid the formation’s area of responsibility of criminal elements.
Army expansion boost
The military attributed the operational successes to the expansion of Nigerian Army formations, enhanced troop presence and improved capacity to respond swiftly to security threats across vulnerable communities.
According to the statement, the increased operational reach has strengthened the Army’s ability to disrupt terrorist movements, recover weapons and logistics, protect communities and rescue victims of abduction.
The Brigade reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal groups operating across Niger State and adjoining areas, particularly along routes linking the state with Kebbi.
The latest operations come amid continuing security concerns in parts of the North-Central region, where armed groups have carried out attacks, kidnappings and other criminal activities against rural communities.
The Army said its troops would sustain operations to dismantle criminal networks and restore security across the Brigade’s area of responsibility.
