Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Brigade have intensified offensive operations against terrorists and criminal groups in Niger State, rescuing nine kidnapped victims and recovering weapons, motorcycles and suspected rustled livestock in separate operations across Mariga and Rijau Local Government Areas.
On Wednesday, August 12, troops of the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) Admin Battalion, deployed at Kotonkoro, rescued nine kidnapped victims in Mariga LGA during sustained operations against terrorist elements. The victims were handed over to Mariga Local Government authorities for documentation and reunification with their families.
In Rijau LGA on the same day, troops conducting a fighting patrol in the Warari general area successfully repelled a terrorist ambush. During subsequent exploitation, they recovered seven motorcycles, one camel, 47 cattle and 18 sheep, believed to have been rustled from surrounding communities. The livestock were handed over to the appropriate authorities.
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Earlier, on Monday, August 10, troops from the Brigade’s Quick Response Force, working with the 311 Artillery Regiment and Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Battalion X, foiled an attempted terrorist attack and infiltration of communities around Inana, Majal and Tunga Bisallah in Rijau LGA.
The troops intercepted the terrorists as they approached the communities on motorcycles, forcing them to retreat towards a nearby forest. During the engagement, the attackers abandoned their equipment and motorcycles, while some were believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.
A subsequent search recovered one AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, assorted ammunition and one motorcycle. Six additional motorcycles used by the terrorists were destroyed.
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The Commander of 18 Brigade commended the troops for their courage and professionalism, directing them to sustain the offensive and intensify efforts to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks operating across Niger State.
He also stressed the importance of credible intelligence from local communities in disrupting attacks and denying criminal groups freedom of movement.
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The latest operations form part of the Nigerian Army’s wider efforts to protect vulnerable communities, recover stolen property and prevent terrorist groups from establishing safe havens in the region.
