Troops Ambush Terrorists Along Niger-Kebbi Routes, Recover 38 Motorcycles
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 16 kidnapped victims and recovered 38 motorcycles, two AK-47 rifles and three rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs during separate operations along routes linking Niger and Kebbi states.
The operations, conducted by troops of the 18 Brigade on November 3 and 5, also led to the recovery of ammunition, magazines, mobile phones and cash, according to the Army.
In a statement, the Army said troops acted on intelligence that suspected terrorists were moving from Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area.
The troops reportedly laid an ambush along the suspected route and engaged the armed group, forcing the criminals to abandon their captives and flee. Sixteen kidnapped victims were subsequently rescued, while an unconfirmed number of the terrorists were neutralised during the encounter.
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Items recovered from the scene included two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three RPG high-explosive anti-personnel bombs, 33 motorcycles and assorted ammunition. The troops also recovered ₦4.105 million.
In a related operation on November 3, troops intercepted another group of suspected 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 a firefight ensued, forcing the suspects to retreat into the forest with gunshot wounds. A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of five motorcycles, a mobile phone and ₦644,300, among other items.
The 16 rescued victims received first aid and were handed over to relevant authorities for reunification with their families, while the recovered items remained in military custody.
The Commander of 18 Brigade commended the troops for their conduct and urged them to sustain the operational momentum.
The Army said the operations reflected its efforts to strengthen security presence, improve response capabilities and disrupt the movement and logistics of criminal groups through its ongoing expansion programme.
By PRNigeria
