Army rescues 22 kidnapped victims in Niger

Some of the rescued victims. Photo credit: Army

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Brigade have rescued 22 kidnapped victims in Muchiya village, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.

The victims were rescued on September 15, after troops of the 18 Brigade Garrison, in conjunction with personnel of the 45 Battalion, launched a fighting patrol following credible intelligence on the convergence of terrorists in the area.

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.”

• Police repel bandit attack in Katsina, rescue four victims
• Oyo school abduction: DSS to re-arraign suspects today
• Nigeria’s mounting debt, insecurity worsen hardship — Anglican Primate

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.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.