Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Brigade have rescued 16 kidnapped persons and recovered arms, ammunition, cash and 38 motorcycles during separate operations against suspected terrorists in Niger State.
The operations, conducted on November 3 and 5, 2026, also resulted in the neutralisation of an unconfirmed number of suspected terrorists, according to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Samuel Adewumi.
Adewumi said the November 5 operation followed credible intelligence about the movement of suspected terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State.
He explained that troops deployed along suspected terrorist routes and successfully ambushed the criminals, who had reportedly abducted residents of the area.
During the encounter, the troops neutralised an unconfirmed number of the suspects and rescued 16 kidnapped victims.
Items recovered from the operation included two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) high-explosive anti-personnel bombs, 33 motorcycles, assorted ammunition and N4.105 million in cash.
In a separate operation on November 3, troops intercepted suspected terrorists travelling from Makuku Village in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State towards Tungan Kawo in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.
The statement said the troops engaged the suspects 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, N644,300 in cash and other sundry items.
The Army said the 16 rescued victims had received first aid and were subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families.
It added that all recovered items remained in military custody for further necessary action.
The Commander, 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 said the operations demonstrated the growing operational capacity of the Nigerian Army, attributing the successes to the expansion of its formations, increased military presence and improved response capabilities.
It added that the ongoing expansion was strengthening the military’s ability to tackle security threats, protect vulnerable communities and disrupt the logistics and activities of criminal networks.