Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 16 abducted persons and recovered two AK-47 rifles, three rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs and 33 motorcycles during an operation against suspected terrorists in Niger State.
The operation, conducted on November 5, 2026, also resulted in the recovery of seven rifle magazines, assorted ammunition and N4.1m in cash following an ambush along suspected terrorist routes in Kontagora Local Government Area.
The Army said troops of 18 Brigade acted on credible intelligence about the movement of suspected terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora, where they engaged the armed men, who had earlier abducted residents.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Adewumi, the Army disclosed that an unconfirmed number of the attackers were neutralised during the encounter.
It said the rescued victims had received first aid and were handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families, while the recovered items remained in military custody.
“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 statement read.
The Army described the operation as another demonstration of the impact of its expanding operational presence, saying troops had dealt significant blows to terrorists and kidnappers in the state.
“The ongoing expansion of the Nigerian Army is strengthening its operational reach and delivering positive results, as troops of 18 Brigade have dealt significant blows to terrorists and kidnappers in Niger State, rescuing 16 abducted persons and recovering dangerous weapons, ammunition and logistics,” it stated.
The Army also disclosed that troops recorded another operational success on November 3 when they intercepted suspected terrorists moving from Makuku Village in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State towards Tungan Kawo in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to the statement, the troops engaged the suspected terrorists in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of five motorcycles, a mobile phone, N644,300 in cash and other items.
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 brigade’s area of responsibility of criminal elements.
The Army said the successes demonstrated its growing operational capacity through the expansion of military formations, increased presence and improved ability to respond swiftly to security threats, protect communities and disrupt the activities and logistics of criminal networks.
The latest operation comes amid renewed security concerns in Niger State following the abduction of 14 students of an Islamiyya school and their teacher in Tungan-Bako village, Rafi Local Government Area, on October 31.
It also follows an attack on communities in Rafi LGA, prompting the Niger State House of Assembly to commend the military for repelling the assailants and call for the establishment of additional military bases in vulnerable communities.
