Nine kidnapped victims rescued as troops foil attacks on Niger communities

Rescue Operations in Mariga LGA

Troops of the 18 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have successfully rescued nine kidnapped victims during intensified offensive operations across Mariga and Rijau Local Government Areas of Niger State. The operations, which aimed to tighten the noose around criminal elements terrorizing vulnerable communities, forced terrorists to abandon their captives and equipment as military pressure mounted.

Captain Adebayo Adewumi, the spokesperson for the Brigade, disclosed that troops of the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) Admin Battalion, deployed at Kotonkoro, rescued the nine victims on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The rescue was the culmination of sustained offensive maneuvers designed to deny terrorists freedom of action within the region.

Following their rescue, the victims were handed over to representatives of the Mariga Local Government authorities. This handover ensures proper documentation and facilitates the eventual reunification of the survivors with their families, marking an end to the uncertainty and fear that accompany such abductions

Neutralizing Ambushes and Recovering Livestock

In a separate engagement on the same day, troops conducting a fighting patrol in the Warari general area of Rijau LGA encountered and successfully cleared a terrorist ambush. The military's ability to navigate the ambush without casualties allowed for a thorough exploitation of the area, revealing the scale of the criminal activities being conducted in the forest zones.

During the search of the vicinity, the troops recovered seven motorcycles, one camel, 47 cattle, and 18 sheep. These animals are suspected to have been rustled from local farming communities, where livestock represent essential economic survival and food security. The recovered livestock were subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for identification and return to their rightful owners.

This aspect of the operation highlights the military’s role in protecting rural livelihoods. For residents of these LGAs, the recovery of livestock is as critical as the prevention of physical violence, as it addresses the systematic destruction of the local economy by armed groups.

Strategic Intervention at Inana Village

The military's success also extended to preventive actions. On Monday, August 10, troops of the Brigade’s Quick Response Force, collaborating with the 311 Artillery Regiment and the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Battalion X, foiled an attempted terrorist attack on Inana Village and the neighboring Majal and Tunga Bisallah villages in Rijau LGA.

Acting on credible intelligence, the troops intercepted the terrorists as they attempted to infiltrate the communities on motorcycles. The rapid response prevented what could have been a traumatic night of deaths and property destruction for the local residents.

On sighting the troops, the terrorists, who were mounted on motorcycles, fled towards the nearby forest.

— Captain Adebayo Adewumi, Spokesman, 18 Brigade, Nigerian Army

The fleeing terrorists were engaged by the troops, leading to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one empty magazine, and ammunition of various calibers. While one motorcycle was seized, six others were destroyed on the spot to further degrade the mobility and operational capacity of the criminal group.

Strengthening Community Security and Intelligence

The Brigade Commander commended the troops for their courage and professionalism, urging them to maintain the operational tempo and remain vigilant. He emphasized that the successes recorded so far are a reflection of the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, to dominate the battlespace and dismantle terrorist networks.

Central to the success of these operations is the collaboration between the military and the local population. The Commander charged the troops to continue leveraging credible information from residents, noting that early warnings regarding suspicious movements are vital for disrupting criminal activities before they reach populated centers.

For the rescued victims and the residents of Mariga and Rijau, these operations represent more than just tactical victories. They offer a tangible sense of security, allowing farmers to return to their fields and families to live without the constant shadow of armed threats.