By Beatrice Gondyi
Troops of 18 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued 22 kidnapped victims in Muchiya village, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, in a fresh offensive against terrorists operating in the region.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Captain Adebayo Samuel Adewumi, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 18 Brigade, the rescue was effected on 15 September 2026 during a fighting patrol conducted by troops of 18 Brigade Garrison in conjunction with troops of 45 Battalion.
The operation, the statement said, followed credible intelligence indicating the convergence of terrorists in the general area. On sighting the advancing troops, the terrorists fled in disarray into the surrounding forest in a bid to evade contact.
“The determined troops sustained the pursuit on the terrorists along their escape routes. Consequently, troops rescued 22 kidnapped victims and recovered three motorcycles and other sundry items abandoned by the fleeing terrorists,” the statement read.
All rescued victims have since been handed over to the leadership of the Muchiya community and reunited with their families.
One of the victims, Alhaji Hassan, who sustained an 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, charging them to sustain the momentum and ensure continuous domination of the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility.
He further reassured law-abiding citizens of Muchiya and adjoining communities of the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, while urging them to continue to provide timely and credible information on the activities of criminal elements.
The operation is the latest in a series of intensified offensive actions by troops of the Brigade aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action within their Area of Responsibility.
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