Troops deal major blow to terrorists, rescue 16 kidnap victims, recover weapons and N4.7m cash in Niger State

Troops of the Nigerian Army's 18 Brigade have dealt significant blows to terrorists and kidnapping gangs operating across Niger State, rescuing 16 abducted persons and recovering assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs, ammunition, 33 motorcycles and over N4.7m cash in a series of operations. 

Captain Adebayo Samuel Adewumi, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, HQ 18 Brigade disclosed this in a statement on Friday, 6 November 2026.

The operations, conducted between November 3 and 5, 2026, highlight the growing operational reach of the Nigerian Army following the expansion of its formations and enhanced deployment of troops to vulnerable areas.

In the first operation on November 5, troops, acting on credible intelligence about the movement of terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State, established an ambush along suspected criminal routes.

The troops subsequently made contact with the armed group, which had reportedly abducted residents of the area, and engaged them in a fierce encounter, neutralising an unconfirmed number of terrorists and rescuing 16 kidnapped victims.

A search of the operational area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three RPG high-explosive anti-personnel bombs, 33 motorcycles, assorted ammunition and N4.105 million in cash.

The 16 rescued victims have received first aid and were subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families. 

“The ongoing expansion of the Nigerian Army is strengthening its operational reach and delivering positive results, as troops of 18 Brigade have dealt significant blows to terrorists and kidnappers in Niger State, rescuing 16 abducted persons and recovering dangerous weapons, ammunition and logistics,” the statement read.

"In an operation conducted on 5 November 2026, troops, acting on credible intelligence about the movement of terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area, established an ambush along suspected terrorist routes.

"The troops made contact with the criminals, who had earlier abducted residents of the area, neutralising an unconfirmed number and rescuing 16 victims. 

"Items recovered included two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three RPG high-explosive anti-personnel bombs, 33 motorcycles, assorted ammunition and ₦4,105,000 in cash.

"In a related operation on 3 November 2026, 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 troops engaged the criminals in a fierce firefight, 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 and other sundry items.

"The 16 rescued victims have received first aid and have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families, while recovered items remain in military custody for further action.

"The Commander, 18 Brigade, commended the troops for their gallantry, resilience in and commitment to duty, urging them to sustain the operational momentum and intensify efforts to rid the Brigade's Area of Responsibility of criminal elements.

“The successes underscore the growing operational capacity of the Nigerian Army through the expansion of its formations, enhanced presence and improved ability to respond swiftly to security threats, protect communities and disrupt the logistics and activities of criminal networks.”