Army Expansion: Troops Rescue 16 Kidnap Victims, Recover 2 AK-47 Rifles, RPG Bombs, 33 Motorcycles In Niger
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Brigade have rescued 16 kidnapped victims and recovered weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and millions of naira during separate operations against terrorists and kidnappers in Niger State.
The operations, conducted on November 3 and 5, 2026, reportedly dealt significant blows to criminal groups operating across parts of Niger and neighbouring Kebbi State.
In the November 5 operation, troops acted on credible intelligence about the movement of terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State.
The soldiers subsequently established an ambush along suspected terrorist routes and engaged the criminals, who had earlier abducted residents of the area.
During the encounter, an unconfirmed number of terrorists were neutralised, while 16 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued.
Items recovered from the operation included 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 related operation on November 3, troops intercepted another group of terrorists moving from Makuku Village in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State towards Tungan Kawo in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.
The troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to withdraw into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
A search conducted after the encounter led to the recovery of five motorcycles, a mobile phone, ₦644,300 and other items.
The Army disclosed that the 16 rescued victims had received first aid and were handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families.
The Commander of 18 Brigade commended the troops for their bravery, resilience and commitment to duty, urging them to sustain the momentum and intensify operations against criminal elements within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility.
The successes, according to the Army, demonstrate how the expansion of its formations, increased operational presence and improved response capabilities are strengthening efforts to combat insecurity and protect vulnerable communities.
