By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Brigade have rescued 21 kidnapped victims during an operation against terrorists and kidnappers in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The victims were rescued on November 9, 2026, following a fierce encounter between troops and suspected terrorists operating around Abaha and Sabon Wuri villages in the area.
The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Samuel Adewumi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of criminal elements in the communities.
According to him, troops swiftly deployed a fighting patrol to the area and engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, overpowering them and forcing them to flee into the nearby bush with suspected gunshot wounds.
He said all 21 kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed and had been given first aid treatment and subjected to preliminary profiling before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families.
Adewumi added that troops had intensified operations through aggressive patrols and ambush tactics to track down and apprehend the fleeing terrorists.
He urged residents of Mariga and neighbouring local government areas to report anyone suspected of sustaining gunshot wounds, as well as suspicious movements of criminal elements, to the nearest security agency for prompt action.
The Commander, 18 Brigade, commended the troops for their gallantry, resilience and professionalism, urging them to sustain the operational momentum until the brigade’s area of responsibility is completely rid of criminal activities.
The rescue operation, according to the statement, is another significant gain in the Army’s ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and terrorism in Niger State, following the recent expansion of the Nigerian Army and the operational boost it has provided.
