Troops Rescue 22 Kidnap Victims, Chase Terrorists Into Forest In Niger

• Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Brigade have rescued 22 kidnapped victims from Muchiya village in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State following an intelligence-led operation against terrorists operating in the area.

• The rescue operation was carried out on September 15 after troops of 18 Brigade Garrison, working with personnel of 45 Battalion, launched a fighting patrol following credible intelligence on the movement and convergence of terrorists.

• The advancing troops forced the terrorists to flee into surrounding forests, abandoning the victims and three motorcycles

• The operation comes amid renewed security concerns in Niger State, where military and police formations have intensified efforts against kidnapping and other criminal activities.

September 17, () – Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Brigade have rescued 22 kidnapped victims from terrorists in Muchiya village, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, in a fresh offensive operation aimed at disrupting criminal activities and denying terrorists freedom of movement.

The Army said the operation was conducted on September 15, 2026, after troops received credible intelligence indicating the convergence of terrorists in the area.

A statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Samuel Adewumi, said  troops of the 18 Brigade Garrison, in conjunction with personnel of 45 Battalion, immediately launched a fighting patrol towards the identified area.

The troops encountered the terrorists as they advanced, prompting the criminal elements to flee into the surrounding forest in an attempt to avoid direct confrontation with the security forces.

The troops pursued the fleeing terrorists along their escape routes, eventually reaching the location where the kidnapped victims were being held.

The sustained pursuit resulted in the rescue of 22 kidnapped victims, while three motorcycles and other items believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing terrorists were recovered.

The rescued victims were subsequently handed over to the leadership of Muchiya community for documentation and reunification with their families.

One of the victims, identified as Alhaji Hassan, sustained injuries while in captivity. He was immediately evacuated to a clinic for medical attention and was reported to be responding to treatment.

The Brigade Commander commended the troops for their resilience, courage and determination during the operation, urging them to sustain the pressure on terrorists and other criminal elements operating within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility.

He also assured residents of Muchiya and neighbouring communities of the Army’s continued commitment to protecting lives and property.

The commander urged residents to strengthen cooperation with security agencies by providing timely and credible information on the activities and movements of criminal elements in their communities.

The latest operation adds to a series of military and police operations targeting kidnapping and other forms of insecurity in Niger State.

In August, troops of the 18 Brigade rescued nine kidnapped victims during offensive operations in Mariga Local Government Area and also foiled planned attacks in Mariga and Rijau LGAs.

The operations led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and motorcycles, with the Army saying the actions were part of efforts to deny terrorists freedom of action within its area of responsibility.

The development also comes against the backdrop of persistent kidnapping threats across parts of Niger State. On September 15, the state police command separately announced the rescue of two kidnap victims in New-Bussa, Borgu LGA, during an operation in which three suspected kidnappers were killed in a gun battle with security personnel.

Rafi LGA itself has experienced serious security challenges in recent months. In July, communal violence linked by police to a longstanding land dispute left 18 people dead, prompting the deployment of joint security patrols and reconciliation efforts in affected communities.