Troops deal main blow to terrorists, rescue 16 kidnap victims, recuperate weapons and N4.7m money in Niger State

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Brigade have dealt important blows to terrorists and kidnapping gangs working throughout Niger State, rescuing 16 kidnapped individuals and recovering assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs, ammunition, 33 bikes and over N4.7m money in a collection of operations.

Captain Adebayo Samuel Adewumi, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, HQ 18 Brigade disclosed this in a press release on Friday, 6 November 2026.

The operations, performed between November 3 and 5, 2026, spotlight the rising operational attain of the Nigerian Army following the enlargement of its formations and enhanced deployment of troops to susceptible areas.

In the primary operation on November 5, troops, performing on credible intelligence in regards to the motion of terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area in direction of Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State, established an ambush alongside suspected prison routes.

The troops subsequently made contact with the armed group, which had reportedly kidnapped residents of the world, and engaged them in a fierce encounter, neutralising an unconfirmed variety of terrorists and rescuing 16 kidnapped victims.

A search of the operational space led to the restoration of two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three RPG high-explosive anti-personnel bombs, 33 bikes, assorted ammunition and N4.105 million in money.

The 16 rescued victims have obtained first help and have been subsequently handed over to the suitable authorities for reunification with their households.

“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 assertion learn.

“In an operation conducted on 5 November 2026, troops, acting on credible intelligence about the movement of terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area, established an ambush along suspected terrorist routes.

“The troops made contact with the criminals, who had earlier kidnapped residents of the world, neutralising an unconfirmed quantity and rescuing 16 victims.

“Items recovered 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 associated operation on 3 November 2026, troops intercepted terrorists shifting from Makuku Village in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State in direction of Tungan Kawo in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.

“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 world led to the restoration of 5 bikes, a cell phone, N644,300 and different sundry objects.

“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, counseled the troops for his or her gallantry, resilience in and dedication to responsibility, urging them to maintain the operational momentum and intensify efforts to rid the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility of prison components.

“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.”