Nigerian Army Rescues 16 Abducted Persons, Recovers Weapons in Niger State

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 16 abducted persons and recovered weapons, ammunition and motorcycles during an operation against suspected terrorists in Niger State.

The operation, conducted on November 5, 2026, in Kontagora Local Government Area, also led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, three rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs, 33 motorcycles and ₦4.1 million in cash.

According to the Army, troops of the 18 Brigade acted on intelligence about the movement of suspected terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora, where they encountered armed men believed to have abducted residents.

Troops Recover Weapons and Ammunition

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Adewumi, said the troops ambushed the suspected terrorists along their route and neutralised an unconfirmed number of attackers.

Other items recovered included seven rifle magazines and assorted ammunition.

The Army said the 16 rescued victims received first aid before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families. The recovered items remain in military custody.

It described the operation as part of efforts to strengthen its presence and disrupt the activities of terrorists and kidnappers in the state.

Related Operation in Niger-Kebbi Border Area

The Army also reported another operation on November 3, when troops intercepted suspected terrorists moving from Makuku Village in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State towards Tungan Kawo in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.

The troops reportedly engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat into a nearby forest with gunshot wounds.

A subsequent search led to the recovery of five motorcycles, a mobile phone, ₦644,300 and other items.

The Commander of the 18 Brigade commended the troops for their efforts and urged them to sustain operations against criminal groups within the brigade's area of responsibility.

Security Concerns Persist in Niger State

The operation comes amid renewed security concerns in Niger State following the abduction of 14 students of an Islamiyya school and their teacher in Tungan-Bako village, Rafi Local Government Area, on October 31.

It also follows attacks on communities in the area, prompting the Niger State House of Assembly to commend the military for repelling the assailants and call for additional military bases in vulnerable communities.

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