Nigeria: Troops Rescue 16 Kidnapping Victims, Recover Two Rifles, Three Bombs, 33 Bikes

What the report says

Premium Times, as republished by AllAfrica, reported that Nigerian Army troops rescued 16 abducted people during an operation in Niger State on 5 November. The Army said soldiers from the 18 Brigade acted on intelligence about suspected terrorists moving from Mashegu Local Government Area toward Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area, where they set up an ambush along likely travel routes.

According to the Army statement, the troops engaged the armed group, which had previously kidnapped residents in the area. Officials said an unspecified number of the suspects were killed, while the rescued victims were given first aid before being handed over to be reunited with their families. The operation also led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three RPG high-explosive anti-personnel bombs, assorted ammunition, 33 motorcycles and ₦4.1 million in cash.

The report also described a separate 3 November encounter in Niger State’s Rijau axis, where troops intercepted suspected terrorists moving from Kebbi State toward Tungan Kawo. The Army said the armed men fled into a forest after a firefight, and soldiers later recovered five motorcycles, a mobile phone and ₦644,300. The incidents come amid wider insecurity in Niger State, where communities have faced repeated kidnappings and attacks, especially in rural farming areas.