Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 16 kidnapped victims and killed several suspected terrorists in Niger State.
The operation also led to the recovery of rifles, ammunition, explosives, motorcycles and millions of naira.
According to the Army, the operation took place on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
The Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 18 Brigade, Adebayo Adewumi, said troops acted on intelligence about suspected terrorists.
The armed men were reportedly moving from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area.
Troops tracked their movement and launched an ambush along their suspected route.
A gun battle followed when soldiers encountered the armed group. Troops killed several suspected terrorists, while others escaped.
During the operation, troops recovered two AK-47 rifles and seven magazines.
They also found three rocket-propelled grenade bombs, 33 motorcycles and assorted ammunition.
The soldiers further recovered ₦4.105 million in cash.
In a separate operation on Tuesday, troops intercepted suspected terrorists travelling from Kebbi State into Niger State.
The suspects reportedly moved from Makuku Village in Sakaba Local Government Area towards Tungan Kawo in Rijau Local Government Area.
Troops engaged the group in a gun battle, forcing the suspects to flee into a nearby forest.
The Army said some of the fleeing suspects sustained gunshot injuries.
A search of the area led to the recovery of five motorcycles, a mobile phone and ₦644,300 in cash.
The Army confirmed that troops rescued all 16 kidnapped victims during the operation.
They provided first aid before handing the victims over to the appropriate authorities.
The authorities will work towards reuniting the victims with their families.
The operations form part of ongoing military efforts to disrupt kidnapping networks and combat terrorism in Niger State and neighbouring communities.
