The Nigerian Army says troops rescued 16 kidnapped people and recovered weapons, motorcycles, ammunition and more than ₦4.7 million in two operations targeting terrorists and kidnappers in Niger State.
In a statement on Friday, 18 Brigade spokesperson Captain Adebayo Adewumi said the first operation took place on November 5, 2026, after intelligence indicated that terrorists were moving from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area.
Troops ambushed a suspected route and engaged the group.
“The troops made contact with the criminals, who had earlier abducted residents of the area, neutralising an unconfirmed number and rescuing 16 victims,” the statement said.
The Army said the troops recovered “two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three RPG high-explosive anti-personnel bombs, 33 motorcycles, assorted ammunition and ₦4,105,000 in cash.”
In a separate operation on November 3, troops intercepted suspected terrorists travelling from Makuku Village in Kebbi State’s Sakaba Local Government Area towards Tungan Kawo in Niger State’s Rijau Local Government Area.
“The troops engaged the criminals in a fierce firefight, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.”
A search of the area led to the recovery of five motorcycles, a mobile phone, ₦644,300 and other items.
“The 16 rescued victims have received first aid and have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families, while recovered items remain in military custody for further action.”
The commander of 18 Brigade praised the troops and urged them to sustain operations against criminal groups in the area.
The Army said the operations reflected its increased capacity to respond to security threats, protect communities and disrupt criminal networks. “The successes underscore the growing operational capacity of the Nigerian Army through the expansion of its formations, enhanced presence and improved ability to respond swiftly to security threats, protect communities and disrupt the logistics and activities of criminal networks.”