Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 16 kidnapped victims and recovered weapons, motorcycles, ammunition and millions of naira during separate operations targeting terrorists and kidnappers in Niger State.
The Army disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Adewumi.
According to the statement, the first operation took place on November 5, following intelligence reports on the movement of terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area.
Acting on the information, troops laid an ambush along suspected routes used by the criminals and engaged them in a gun battle after establishing contact.
The Army said the operation resulted in the rescue of 16 abducted victims and the neutralisation of an unspecified number of the attackers.
Security personnel also 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 from the operation.
In a related operation conducted on November 3, troops intercepted another group of terrorists travelling from Makuku Village in Kebbi State's Sakaba Local Government Area towards Tungan Kawo in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.
The soldiers engaged the suspects in what the Army described as a fierce exchange of gunfire, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of injuries.
A follow-up search operation led to the recovery of five motorcycles, a mobile phone, ₦644,300 in cash and other items believed to belong to the fleeing criminals.
The Army said all 16 rescued victims received first aid before being handed over to relevant authorities for reunification with their families, while recovered items remain in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
The Commander of the 18 Brigade commended the troops for their courage and dedication, urging them to maintain the momentum of ongoing operations aimed at eliminating criminal elements from the brigade's area of responsibility.
The Army noted that the successes reflected its growing operational capacity, attributing the achievements to the expansion of military formations, improved deployment and enhanced ability to respond swiftly to security threats.
According to the statement, the operations have strengthened efforts to protect communities, disrupt criminal networks and improve security across affected areas of Niger State.