Nigerian Army rescues 22 kidnap victims in Niger

The troops of 18 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued 22 victims who were kidnapped in Muchiya village located in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.

The operation was carried out on September 15 as the troops of 18 Brigade Garrison, together with those of the 45 Battalion, conducted a fighting patrol based on intelligence regarding the gathering of terrorists in the region.

According to a statement shared on X issued on Wednesday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Adewumi, the terrorists fled into the surrounding forest after sighting the advancing troops.

The statement said, “The determined troops sustained the pursuit on the terrorists along their escaped routes. Consequently, troops rescued 22 kidnapped victims and recovered 3 motorcycles and other sundry items abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.”

The Army added that, “All rescued victims have been handed over to the leadership of the Muchiya community and have since been reunited with their families.”

One of the victims, Alhaji Hassan, who sustained injury while in captivity, was promptly evacuated to a clinic and is currently responding to treatment.

The Commander, 18 Brigade, commended the troops for their “resilience, gallantry, and doggedness” and charged them to maintain the momentum and ensure continuous domination of the area.

He also reassured law-abiding residents of Muchiya and adjoining communities of the brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while urging them to continue providing timely and credible information on the activities of criminal elements.