Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 16 abducted people and recovered two AK-47 rifles, three rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs and 33 motorcycles during an operation against terrorists in Niger State.
The operation, conducted on November 5, 2026, also led to the recovery of seven rifle magazines, assorted ammunition and ₦4.1 million in cash, following an ambush along suspected terrorist routes in Kontagora Local Government Area.
The army said the troops of 18 Brigade acted on credible intelligence about the movement of terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora, where they made contact with the armed men who had earlier abducted residents.
In a statement on Thursday by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Adewumi, the Army said troops neutralised an unconfirmed number of the attackers.
“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,” it stated.
It also said the operation demonstrated the impact of the Army’s expanding operational presence.
“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.”
The army also stated that in a related operation on November 3, 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.
It said that the troops engaged the attackers 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, ₦644,300 and other sundry items,” it stated.
“The Commander, 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 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,” it added.
The latest operation comes amid renewed security concerns in Niger State, where suspected terrorists abducted 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, which prompted the Niger State House of Assembly to commend the military for repelling the assailants and call for additional military bases in vulnerable communities.
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