Troops of the 18 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued 84 locals held by terrorists during an encounter along the Tegina–Garin Gabas–Zungeru road in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to security analyst, Zagazola Makama, the operation was carried out under Operation Savannah Shield following intelligence on the movement of terrorists riding about 300 motorcycles around Kwange village.
The troops reportedly took up blocking positions along the route but came under attack at Kwanan Barau.
During the ensuing gun battle, the troops rescued 84 locals who had been held by the terrorists at Kundu village.
Makama said one terrorist was neutralised during the encounter, while troops recovered one motorcycle, a mobile phone and two locally fabricated Dane guns.
Two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and were evacuated to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna for treatment.
One of the wounded soldiers later died while being evacuated to the hospital.
The troops continued efforts to track the fleeing terrorists and secure the affected communities and major routes.
“Two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the engagement and were evacuated to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, for medical attention,” the report stated.
84 Locals rescued, terrorist neutralised during Niger ambush