Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 21 kidnapped victims following a fierce gun battle with terrorists in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, as security forces intensify operations against kidnapping and terrorism in the state.
The victims were freed on November 9 after soldiers of the 18 Brigade launched an offensive against suspected terrorists operating around Abaha and Sabon Wuri communities in the local government area.
The operation, according to the Army, followed intelligence reports identifying the activities and movements of criminal elements in the affected communities.
Acting on the information, the troops deployed a fighting patrol to the area in an attempt to intercept the suspected terrorists and secure the affected communities.
The deployment reportedly resulted in a confrontation between the soldiers and the armed criminals, triggering an exchange of gunfire.
The troops eventually overwhelmed the terrorists, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes with suspected gunshot injuries.
During the operation, all 21 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued without injuries.
The Army said the rescued persons received first aid treatment and underwent preliminary profiling before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families.
Following the encounter, troops intensified security operations across the area, deploying aggressive patrols and ambushes to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent them from regrouping.
The 18 Brigade also called on residents of Mariga and neighbouring local government areas to assist security agencies with relevant information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing criminals.
It specifically urged members of the public to report anyone seen with suspected gunshot wounds, as well as unusual movements or activities that could indicate the presence of criminal elements.
The Brigade’s Commander commended the soldiers for their courage, resilience and professionalism during the operation, urging them to sustain the pressure on criminal groups operating within the formation’s area of responsibility.
He charged the troops to maintain the current offensive posture until all criminal networks threatening the safety of residents were dismantled.
The latest rescue operation comes amid renewed efforts by the Nigerian Army to strengthen its operational capacity following the recent expansion of the service.
The Army said the expansion had provided additional operational support for troops deployed across various theatres, including ongoing operations against terrorism, kidnapping and other security threats.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations to restore security and protect law-abiding residents across Niger State.
Captain Adebayo Samuel Adewumi
Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations
Headquarters, 18 Brigade
November 10, 2026
