Army rescues 16 kidnap victims, recovers weapons in Niger

Some of the rescued victims. Photo credit: Army

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 16 kidnapped victims and recovered two AK-47 rifles, three rocket-propelled grenade bombs, 33 motorcycles, ammunition and over ₦4.7m during operations against terrorists and kidnappers in Niger State.

The Army disclosed this in a statement signed by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Adewumi, on Friday.

The statement said the first operation was conducted on November 5, 2026, following intelligence about the movement of terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area of the state.

It said troops established an ambush along suspected terrorist routes and engaged the criminals, who had earlier abducted residents of the area.

“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 operation led to the recovery of “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 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 criminals in a fierce firefight, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.”

A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of five motorcycles, a mobile phone, ₦644,300 and other sundry items.

On the condition of the rescued victims, the Army said, “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, 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 statement added that the operations demonstrated the impact of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing expansion on its ability to tackle security threats.

It said, “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.”