Nigerian Army Rescues 16 Kidnap Victims, Recovers Weapons, ₦4.7m in Niger State

The Nigerian Army has rescued 16 kidnapped victims and recovered weapons, ammunition, 33 motorcycles and more than ₦4.7 million during separate operations against terrorists and kidnappers in Niger State.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Adewumi.

According to the statement, troops conducted the first operation on Thursday, November 5, following intelligence reports indicating the movement of suspected terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area.

Acting on the intelligence, the troops established an ambush along suspected routes used by the armed group.

The Army said the troops subsequently engaged the suspected terrorists, who had allegedly abducted residents in the area, neutralising an unconfirmed number of them and rescuing 16 victims.

Items recovered during the operation included two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) high-explosive anti-personnel bombs, 33 motorcycles, assorted ammunition and ₦4,105,000 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 suspects reportedly engaged the troops in a gun battle before fleeing into a nearby forest with gunshot wounds.

A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of five motorcycles, a mobile phone, ₦644,300 in cash and other items.

The Army said the 16 rescued victims received first aid before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for further assistance and reunification with their families.

It added that the recovered items had been secured for further action.

The Commander of 18 Brigade commended the troops for their courage and commitment, urging them to sustain the operations and intensify efforts to eliminate criminal groups operating in the area.

The statement further noted that the operations demonstrated the impact of the Army's expanded formations and increased security presence, which have strengthened its capacity to respond to threats, protect communities and disrupt criminal networks.