Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Brigade have rescued 22 kidnapped victims in Muchiya village, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, during an operation aimed at disrupting terrorist activities within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility.
This is contained in a statement signed by Captain Adebayo Samuel Adewumi, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, on September 16 and made available to The News Chronicle.
The statement noted that the operation was part of intensified efforts to deny terrorists freedom of action in the area.
According to the statement, the victims were rescued on September 15, 2026, after troops of the 18 Brigade Garrison, in conjunction with personnel of 45 Battalion, conducted a fighting patrol based on credible intelligence about the convergence of terrorists in the area.
The Army said the terrorists fled into the surrounding forest after sighting the advancing troops.
The troops subsequently pursued the fleeing terrorists along their escape routes, leading to the rescue of the 22 kidnapped victims. Three motorcycles and other items abandoned by the fleeing terrorists were also recovered during the operation.
The rescued victims were handed over to the leadership of the Muchiya community and subsequently reunited with their families.
One of the victims, identified as Alhaji Hassan, sustained injuries while in captivity and was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment. He is currently responding to treatment, according to the Army.
The Commander, 18 Brigade, commended the troops for their resilience, gallantry and determination, urging them to sustain the momentum of operations and maintain dominance across the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility.
He also reassured residents of Muchiya and neighbouring communities of the Brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while urging them to provide timely and credible information on the activities of criminal elements.
