The Nigerian Army’s 18 Brigade announced on Tuesday that it had rescued 16 kidnapped victims and seized a cache of weapons, motorcycles and cash during operations against suspected terrorists in Niger State.
According to a statement signed by Captain Adebayo Samuel Adewumi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the operations were carried out on 3 and 5 November 2026. On 5 November, troops were tipped off that a group of armed men were moving from Mashegu Local Government Area toward Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area. The soldiers positioned themselves along the suspected route and launched an ambush, neutralising an unconfirmed number of attackers and freeing 16 hostages.
Items recovered in the 5‑November engagement included two AK‑47 rifles, seven magazines, three RPG high‑explosive anti‑personnel bombs, 33 motorcycles, assorted ammunition and N4,105,000 in cash.
The 3‑November operation saw the brigade intercept a separate group of suspected terrorists travelling from Makuku Village in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State toward Tungan Kawo in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State. A fierce gun battle forced the attackers to withdraw into the surrounding forest, where they sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries. A follow‑up search recovered five motorcycles, a mobile phone, N644,300 and other items linked to the group’s activities.
A follow‑up search of the area resulted in the recovery of five motorcycles, a mobile phone, N644,300 and other items believed to be connected to the group's activities.
All 16 rescued individuals received first aid before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for further assistance and reunification with their families. The recovered weapons, motorcycles and other materials have been secured by the military for further investigation.
The commander of 18 Brigade praised the troops for their bravery, resilience and dedication, urging them to maintain momentum and intensify efforts to eliminate criminal elements within the brigade’s area of responsibility. The army said the latest operations underscore its commitment to strengthening operational capacity through the expansion of military formations, an enhanced security presence and a more rapid response to emerging threats.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
