Army Rescues 16 Abducted Victims, Recovers AK-47 Rifles, RPG Bombs In Niger State

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 16 abducted persons and recovered two AK-47 rifles, three rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs and 33 motorcycles during an operation against terrorists in Niger State. The operation, conducted on November 5, 2026, also led to the recovery of seven rifle magazines, assorted ammunition and ₦4,105,000 in cash, following an ambush along suspected terrorist routes in Kontagora Local Government Area. The Army said troops of 18 Brigade acted on credible intelligence about the movement of terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora, where they made contact with the armed men who had earlier abducted residents.

In a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Adewumi, the Army said troops neutralised an unconfirmed number of the attackers during the encounter. The troops established an ambush along the suspected route, engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle and forced them to abandon their captives. A search of the area after the confrontation led to the recovery of the weapons, motorcycles, ammunition and cash, all of which remain in military custody for further action.

The 16 rescued victims have received first aid and have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families. In a related operation on November 3, 2026, troops also 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, disrupting their movement and further weakening kidnapping networks operating across both states.

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 rid the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility of criminal elements. The Army said the ongoing expansion of its formations is strengthening its operational reach and delivering positive results in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in Niger State and across the North-West and North-Central regions.