The Nigerian Army has rescued 16 kidnapped victims during a security operation in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State, while recovering several weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and millions of naira believed to be connected to the activities of suspected terrorists operating in the area.
Troops of the Army’s 18 Brigade conducted the operation on Thursday, November 5, following intelligence reports about the movement of suspected terrorists from Mashegu towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse. The information prompted the soldiers to move into the area and establish an ambush along the suspected route of the armed group.
According to the military, the troops engaged the suspected terrorists during the operation and successfully rescued the 16 abducted persons. The Army also confirmed that an unconfirmed number of attackers were neutralised during the encounter, although it did not disclose the exact number of casualties recorded.
Following the rescue, the soldiers provided first aid to the victims to address their immediate needs before handing them over to the appropriate authorities for further assistance and reunification with their families.
The development represents another military operation against kidnapping and armed criminal activities in Niger State, where several communities have continued to face security challenges.
Army Rescues 16 Victims and Recovers Military Weapons
Beyond the rescue of the abducted persons, the operation resulted in the recovery of several weapons and other items that the Army believes were connected to the activities of the suspected terrorists.
According to the military’s account, the soldiers recovered two AK-47 rifles, three rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs and seven rifle magazines. They also recovered assorted ammunition, 33 motorcycles and ₦4.105 million in cash.
The recovered weapons are particularly important because firearms and explosive devices can pose serious threats to communities and security personnel when armed groups use them during attacks. Their recovery could also help security forces reduce the weapons available to criminal elements operating within the affected areas.
Meanwhile, the recovery of 33 motorcycles adds another dimension to the operation, considering how armed groups frequently rely on motorcycles to travel through rural settlements, forest routes and communities with limited road access.
The motorcycles can provide mobility across difficult terrain and allow armed groups to move between remote locations. Consequently, recovering such a large number of motorcycles could disrupt some of the movements associated with criminal activities in the area.
The Army disclosed the development through Captain Adebayo Adewumi, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 18 Brigade. He provided details of the operation and the items recovered by the troops.
Although the military did not establish the ownership of every recovered item, the operation forms part of its wider efforts to track suspected terrorists, rescue abducted persons and recover weapons used in criminal activities.
Army Reports Another Operation Along Kebbi-Niger Border
The military also disclosed details of a separate security operation conducted on November 3 around the Kebbi-Niger border area, where troops recovered five motorcycles and other items.
Although the operation took place two days before the November 5 rescue, it reflects the continued military presence around areas where security threats and the movement of armed groups remain concerns.
The recovery of the additional motorcycles also highlights the importance of monitoring rural routes and border communities, particularly where criminal groups may attempt to exploit difficult terrain to avoid security patrols.
Niger State has experienced repeated security incidents, including kidnappings, attacks on rural settlements and abductions along major roads. These incidents have raised concerns among residents and travellers, while affected families continue to seek stronger protection and faster responses from security agencies.
The latest operation therefore offers some relief, especially for the families of the 16 rescued victims, who can now begin the process of reuniting with their loved ones.
However, the rescue also draws attention to the wider security challenges facing communities across the state. While successful military operations can disrupt criminal networks and recover abducted persons, security agencies must maintain pressure on armed groups to prevent further attacks.
The Nigerian Army’s latest operation demonstrates the role of intelligence gathering and coordinated troop movements in responding to kidnapping threats. Sustained efforts will remain necessary to protect vulnerable communities, improve security along major routes and prevent suspected terrorists from continuing their activities across Niger State.