Army Expansion Deals Major Blow to Terrorists as Troops Rescue 16 Kidnapped Victims, Recover Weapons and 33 Motorcycles in Niger
The Nigerian Army has recorded another operational success in its ongoing offensive against terrorists and kidnappers in Niger State, rescuing 16 kidnapped victims and recovering dangerous weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and millions of naira during coordinated operations.
The operations, conducted by troops of the Army’s 18 Brigade, were aimed at dismantling criminal networks, disrupting terrorist movements and restoring security across vulnerable communities in the state.
According to a statement issued on Friday, November 6, 2026, by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Adewumi, the first operation took place on November 5 following intelligence reports about the movement of terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area.
Acting on the intelligence, troops established an ambush along suspected terrorist routes and engaged the criminals, who had reportedly abducted residents in the area.
The encounter resulted in the neutralisation of an unconfirmed number of terrorists and the successful rescue of 16 kidnapped victims.
During the operation, troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three rocket-propelled grenade high-explosive anti-personnel bombs, 33 motorcycles, assorted ammunition and ₦4.1 million in cash.
In a related operation conducted on November 3, troops intercepted another group of 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 soldiers engaged the suspected 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 additional motorcycles, a mobile phone and ₦644,300 in cash.
The Army disclosed that the 16 rescued victims had received first aid before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for documentation and reunification with their families.
It added that all recovered weapons, ammunition and other items remained in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
The Commander of 18 Brigade commended the troops for their courage, resilience and commitment to duty, urging them to sustain the operational momentum and intensify efforts to eliminate criminal elements within their area of responsibility.
The Army noted that the successes reflected the growing operational capacity of the Nigerian Army through the expansion of its formations, increased military presence and improved response capabilities.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable communities, disrupting terrorist logistics and preventing criminal groups from operating freely across Niger State and neighbouring areas.
The military also called for continued cooperation from residents, particularly through the provision of credible and timely intelligence to support ongoing security operations.
The latest operations represent another effort by the Nigerian Army to weaken terrorist networks, rescue abducted citizens and improve security across Nigeria’s North-Central region.
