Troops rescue 16 kidnap victims, get well weapons in Niger

The troops, in the course of the operation, additionally recovered three rocket-propelled grenade bombs, 33 bikes and ammunition within the state.

The Army, in an announcement signed by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Adewumi, on Friday, defined, “The first operation was conducted on Thursday, 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.”

The assertion defined that the troops made contact with the criminals, neutralising an unconfirmed quantity and rescuing 16 victims.

The operation, in response to the assertion, led to the restoration of two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three RPG high-explosive anti-personnel bombs, 33 bikes, assorted ammunition and ₦4,105,000 in money.

On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the assertion defined that 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.

According to the assertion, the troops engaged the criminals in a fierce firefight, forcing them to retreat into the encircling forest with various levels of gunshot wounds.

Adewumi acknowledged {that a} subsequent search of the world led to the restoration of 5 bikes, a cell phone, ₦644,300, and different sundry gadgets, saying that the 16 rescued victims have obtained first support and have been handed over to the suitable authorities for reunification with their households, whereas recovered gadgets stay in navy custody for additional motion.

The Commander, 18 Brigade, recommended the troops for his or her gallantry, resilience and dedication to obligation, urging them to maintain the operational momentum and intensify efforts to rid the brigade’s space of duty of legal parts.

The assertion added that the operations demonstrated the impression of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing growth on its capacity to sort out safety threats.

It stated the successes underscore the rising operational capability of the Nigerian Army by means of the growth of its formations, enhanced presence and improved capacity to reply swiftly to safety threats, defend communities and disrupt the logistics and actions of legal networks.