By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Brigade have disrupted terrorist logistics networks in Niger and Kebbi States, recovering 38 motorcycles, firearms, explosives, ammunition and over ₦4.7 million during separate operations against terrorists and kidnappers.
The operations, conducted on November 3 and 5, 2026, also resulted in the rescue of 16 kidnapped victims and the neutralisation of an unconfirmed number of terrorists.
According to an official statement signed by Captain Adebayo Samuel Adewumi, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, Headquarters 18 Brigade, the latest operation was conducted on November 5 following credible intelligence on the movement of terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State.
The statement disclosed that troops deployed along suspected terrorist routes established an ambush and made contact with the criminals, who had earlier abducted residents of the area.
During the encounter, the troops neutralised an unconfirmed number of terrorists and rescued 16 kidnapped victims.
Items recovered included two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) high-explosive anti-personnel bombs, 33 motorcycles, assorted ammunition and ₦4,105,000 in cash.
In a related operation on November 3, troops intercepted terrorists moving from Makuku Village in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State towards Tungan Kawo in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.
The troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of five additional motorcycles, a mobile phone, ₦644,300 and other sundry items.
The Army stated that the 16 rescued victims had received first aid and were handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families, while all recovered items remained in military custody for further action.
The Commander, 18 Brigade, commended the troops for their gallantry, resilience and commitment to duty, urging them to sustain the operational momentum and intensify efforts to rid the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility of criminal elements.
