PHOTOS: Army Rescues 16 Hostages, Recovers AK-47 Rifles, RPG Bombs, Motorcycles in Niger, Kebbi
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Brigade have rescued 16 kidnapped victims and recovered two AK-47 rifles, three rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs, 38 motorcycles and millions of naira during separate operations against terrorists in Niger and Kebbi states.
The operations, conducted on November 3 and 5, 2026, also resulted in the neutralisation of an unconfirmed number of terrorists and the recovery of ammunition, magazines and other logistics.
In a statement on Friday, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Samuel Adewumi, said the November 5 operation followed intelligence reports about the movement of terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State.
He said troops deployed along suspected terrorist routes and subsequently engaged the criminals, who had earlier abducted residents of the area.
According to the statement, the troops neutralised an unconfirmed number of the attackers and rescued 16 kidnapped victims during the encounter.
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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 million 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.
The Army said the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, 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 items.
The statement added that the rescued victims had received first aid and were handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families, while the recovered items remained in military custody.
The Commander of 18 Brigade commended the troops for their gallantry, resilience and commitment to duty, urging them to sustain the operational momentum and intensify efforts to eliminate criminal elements within the Brigade’s area of responsibility.
The Army attributed the operational successes partly to the ongoing expansion of its formations, saying increased troop presence and improved operational reach were strengthening its capacity to respond swiftly to security threats, protect vulnerable communities and disrupt criminal networks.
By PRNigeria
