Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 18 Brigade have rescued 16 kidnapped victims, neutralised an unconfirmed number of terrorists and recovered dangerous weapons, explosives, ammunition, 38 motorcycles and ₦4.7 million in two separate operations targeting terrorists and kidnappers in Niger and Kebbi states.
The operations, conducted on November 3 and 5, 2026, reportedly dealt significant blows to criminal networks operating across parts of the two states, with troops recovering two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and three rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) high-explosive anti-personnel bombs.
According to a statement issued on Friday by Captain Adebayo Samuel Adewumi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters 18 Brigade, the November 5 operation followed credible intelligence about the movement of suspected terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State.
Adewumi said troops immediately established an ambush along suspected terrorist routes after receiving the intelligence and subsequently made contact with the armed criminals, who had reportedly abducted residents of the area.
During the ensuing gun battle, the soldiers reportedly neutralised an unconfirmed number of the terrorists and successfully rescued 16 kidnapped victims.
The statement said troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three RPG high-explosive anti-personnel bombs, 33 motorcycles, assorted ammunition and ₦4,105,000 in cash during the operation.
In a related operation conducted on November 3, troops intercepted another group of 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.
According to the Army, the troops engaged the armed group in a fierce gun battle, forcing the suspected terrorists to retreat into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
A subsequent search of the area reportedly led to the recovery of five motorcycles, a mobile phone, ₦644,300 in cash and other sundry items.
The Army disclosed that the 16 rescued victims had received first aid and were handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families, while the recovered items remained in military custody for further action.
The two operations resulted in the recovery of 38 motorcycles and cash totalling ₦4,749,300, alongside the firearms, explosives, magazines and ammunition recovered during the November 5 encounter.
The Commander of 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 commander also encouraged the soldiers to remain resolute and maintain pressure on terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups threatening communities across the operational area.
The Nigerian Army said the latest operational successes underscore the growing capacity of the military through the expansion of its formations, enhanced troop presence and improved ability to respond swiftly to emerging security threats across the country.
The operations also highlight ongoing efforts by the military to disrupt the logistics and movements of criminal networks, particularly through the recovery of motorcycles, weapons, explosives and cash allegedly used to facilitate their activities.