Army Rescues 16 Kidnap Victims, Arrests Suspected Terrorist, Recovers Arms, 38 Motorcycles In Niger, Kaduna, Zamfara

Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded major operational successes in the North-West, rescuing 16 kidnapped persons, arresting a suspected notorious terrorist and recovering arms, ammunition, motorcycles and other logistics during coordinated operations in Niger, Kaduna and Zamfara States.

The operations, conducted under different military formations on November 3 and 5, 2026, also involved intelligence-led engagements, ground clearance operations and air interdictions targeting terrorist networks and their hideouts.

In Niger State, troops of 18 Brigade, acting on credible intelligence about the movement of terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area on November 5, established an ambush along suspected terrorist routes.

The troops made contact with the criminals, who had reportedly abducted residents of the area, neutralising an unconfirmed number of them and rescuing 16 victims.

Items recovered during the operation included two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) high-explosive anti-personnel bombs, 33 motorcycles, assorted ammunition and N4,105,000 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 ensuing firefight forced the terrorists to retreat into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of five motorcycles, a mobile phone, N644,300 and other items.

The 16 rescued victims have received first aid and were handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families.

Meanwhile, in Kaduna State, troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, working alongside operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), arrested a suspected terrorist, identified as Auta Maikyala, during an intelligence-led operation in Kagarko town, Kagarko Local Government Area.

The suspect was apprehended on November 5 at a hospital where he had reportedly gone to seek medical attention for a gunshot wound sustained during an encounter with a rival faction.

Preliminary investigations reportedly linked him to several attacks on communities, kidnapping and cattle rustling operations. He is currently in custody for further investigation and prosecution.

In Zamfara State, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intensified clearance operations in Aljummu Hausa, Aljummu Fulani and Tunga Magaji villages in Maradun Local Government Area, targeting terrorist hideouts and restricting the activities of criminal elements.

Similarly, the Air Component of the Nigerian Air Force conducted air interdiction operations against identified terrorist locations suspected to be associated with wanted terrorist kingpin, Dogo Gide, in Babban Doka and Kuyumbana Forest in Maru Local Government Area.

The air operation followed intelligence reports indicating that terrorists were assembling in the locations to plan and coordinate criminal activities. Military authorities said troops were maintaining dominance over the general area.

The Commander, 18 Brigade, commended his troops for their gallantry, resilience and commitment to duty, urging them to sustain the operational momentum and intensify efforts to rid their area of responsibility of criminal elements.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA also reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations to protect lives and property across its joint operations area, while urging members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.

The latest operational successes highlight the military’s ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, dismantle their operational bases, recover weapons and logistics, and restore security to communities affected by criminal activities.