# Troops rescue 16 kidnapped victims

> Nigerian Army recovers weapons and bikes after rescuing 16 hostages.
- Title: Troops rescue 16 kidnapped victims · Premium Times Nigeria
- Summary: Nigerian Army recovers weapons and bikes after rescuing 16 hostages. Nigerian Army rescued 16 kidnapped victims and recovered two rifles, three bombs, and 33…
- Keywords: nigerian army, niger state, kidnapping victims, rescue operation, military, nigerian army 18 brigade, ak-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade bombs, motorcycles, cash recovery, Premium Times Nigeria
- Source: Premium Times Nigeria — https://premiumtimesng.com/regional/north-central/923144-troops-rescue-16-kidnapping-victims-recover-two-rifles-three-bombs-33-bikes.html
- Author: Manasseh Mbachii
- Published: 2026-11-06T11:07:52+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: nigerian army, niger state, kidnapping victims, rescue operation, military, nigerian army 18 brigade, ak-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade bombs, motorcycles, cash recovery, news, politics
## Rescue operation
Troops of the Nigerian Army rescued 16 abductees and recovered two AK-47 rifles, three RPG bombs, and 33 motorcycles during an operation in Niger State.
## Operation details
The Army conducted the operation on 5 November following intelligence about suspected terrorists moving from Mashegu LGA to Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora LGA.
## Weapons recovered
Items recovered included two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three RPG high-explosive anti-personnel bombs, assorted ammunition, 33 motorcycles, and ₦4.1 million in cash.
## Victims' care
Rescued victims received first aid before being handed over to families for reunification.
## Related operation
On 3 November, troops intercepted suspected terrorists traveling from Makuku village in Sakaba LGA, Kebbi State, towards Tungan Kawo in Rijau LGA, Niger State.
## Additional items
The army recovered five motorcycles, a mobile phone, and ₦644,300 during the related operation.
## Security context
Niger State has experienced multiple kidnappings and attacks on farming communities since 2025.
## Recent abductions
On 31 October, suspected bandits abducted 14 pupils and their teacher from an Islamic school while harvesting maize in Tungan-Bako village.
## Previous attacks
On 27 September, 47 farmers were abducted while harvesting groundnuts in Tugan-Rimi, Mariga LGA.
## August attack
On 21 August, gunmen abducted more than 500 worshippers from Juma’at mosques in Dekara and four other communities.
## Fleeing communities
Residents in Borgu, Mariga, Mashegu, and Rijau LGAs have fled homes and abandoned crops due to attacks.
## Earlier abduction
On 21 November 2025, armed men abducted 230 pupils, students, and staff from St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri.
## Current security situation
The Army keeps recovered items in military custody for further action while urging continued operations against criminal groups.
## Key takeaway

Nigerian Army rescued 16 kidnapped victims and recovered two rifles, three bombs, and 33 bikes during an operation in Niger State.