Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 16 kidnapped persons and recovered two AK-47 rifles, three rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs and 38 motorcycles during operations against terrorists in Niger State.
The Army in a post on its social media handle, said the operations, carried out by troops of 18 Brigade on November 3 and 5, also led to the recovery of ammunition, seven rifle magazines and N4,749,300 in cash.
It said in the November 5 operation, soldiers acted on intelligence that terrorists were moving from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatsе in Kontagora Local Government Area.
They laid an ambush along the suspected route and engaged the armed men, who had earlier abducted residents of the area. An unspecified number of the attackers were neutralised, while 16 kidnapped persons were rescued.
The soldiers recovered two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three RPG high-explosive anti-personnel bombs, 33 motorcycles, assorted ammunition and N4,105,000.
In another encounter on November 3, troops intercepted suspected terrorists travelling from Makuku Village in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State towards Tungan Kawo in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
A gun battle followed, forcing the suspects to flee into the surrounding forest. Some of them were believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.
A search of the area led to the recovery of five motorcycles, a mobile phone, N644,300 and other items.
The Army said the 16 rescued victims had received first aid and were handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families. Recovered items remain in military custody.
The Army linked the successes to its ongoing expansion, saying the exercise was strengthening its operational reach.
