Nigerian Army R£scues 22 K!dnapped V!ctims In Niger, Says Terr0rists Abandoned Motorcycles, Fled Into Forest
Nigerian Army Rescues 22 Kidnapped Victims In Niger, Says Terrorists Abandoned Motorcycles, Fled Into Forest
The operation was launched following credible intelligence indicating the convergence of terrorists in the area.
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Brigade have rescued 22 kidnapped victims from terrorists in Muchiya village, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
The victims were rescued on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, during an offensive operation conducted by troops of the 18 Brigade Garrison in conjunction with troops of the 45 Battalion.
The operation was launched following credible intelligence indicating the convergence of terrorists in the area.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Samuel Adewumi, the troops embarked on a fighting patrol to the general area after receiving the intelligence.
He said the terrorists fled into the surrounding forest upon sighting the advancing troops in an attempt to evade contact with the soldiers.
The troops, however, sustained their pursuit along the routes used by the fleeing terrorists, eventually rescuing the 22 kidnapped victims.
During the operation, the soldiers also recovered three motorcycles and other sundry items abandoned by the terrorists as they fled.
The Army said all 22 rescued victims had been handed over to the leadership of the Muchiya community and subsequently reunited with their families.
One of the victims, identified as Alhaji Hassan, reportedly sustained an injury while in captivity.
He was promptly evacuated to a clinic for medical attention and is currently responding to treatment.
The Commander of the 18 Brigade commended the troops for their resilience, gallantry and doggedness during the operation.
He charged the soldiers to maintain the momentum of their offensive operations and ensure continuous domination of the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
The Brigade Commander also reassured law-abiding residents of Muchiya and adjoining communities of the Army’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.
He urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information on the activities and movements of criminal elements in their communities to enable the security forces to respond effectively.
