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The Nigerian Army has rescued 16 kidnapped victims and recovered weapons, ammunition, 33 motorcycles and over ₦4.7 million during operations against terrorists and kidnappers in Niger State.
The Army disclosed this in a statement signed by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Adewumi, on Friday.
According to the statement, troops carried out the first operation on Thursday, November 5, following intelligence reports about the movement of terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area.
The troops set up an ambush along suspected terrorist routes. They then engaged the armed group, which had earlier abducted residents in the area.
“The troops made contact with the criminals, who had earlier abducted residents of the area, neutralising an unconfirmed number and rescuing 16 victims,” the statement said.
The operation also led to the recovery of 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 Army said the troops engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to flee into a nearby forest with gunshot wounds. A search of the area led to the recovery of five motorcycles, a mobile phone, ₦644,300 and other items.
The Army said the 16 rescued victims received first aid before troops handed them over to the relevant authorities for reunification with their families. The military said it is holding the recovered items for further action.
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The Commander of 18 Brigade commended the troops for their courage and commitment. He urged them to sustain the operations and intensify efforts to remove criminal groups from the area.
The statement added that the operations showed the impact of the Army’s expanded formations and improved security presence.
It said the increased capacity had strengthened the military’s ability to respond quickly to threats, protect communities and disrupt the activities of criminal networks.
