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.
In a statement, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 18 Brigade Captain Adebayo Samuel Adewumi said the victims were rescued on November 9, 2026, following a fighting patrol launched by the troops after receiving credible intelligence about the activities of terrorists in Abaha and Sabon Wuri villages.
The operation, according to the Army, resulted in a fierce gun battle during which the troops overpowered the criminals, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes with suspected gunshot wounds.
All 21 victims were rescued unharmed and subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families after receiving first aid treatment and undergoing preliminary profiling.
The Army said troops had intensified patrols and ambush operations in the area to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
It also appealed to residents of Mariga and neighbouring local government areas to promptly report anyone seen with suspected gunshot wounds or any suspicious movement of criminal elements to the nearest security agency.
The Commander of 18 Brigade commended the troops for their gallantry, resilience and professionalism during the operation.
He charged them to sustain the offensive and maintain the operational momentum to rid the brigade’s area of responsibility of criminal activities and guarantee the safety of law-abiding residents.
The Army attributed the latest operational success partly to the operational boost provided by its recent expansion, which it said had strengthened its capacity to tackle kidnapping and terrorism in Niger State.
