Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 22 kidnapped victims after an operation forced suspected terrorists to flee into the forest in Muchiya village, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
The victims were rescued on September 15 after troops of the 18 Brigade Garrison, alongside personnel of the 45 Battalion, launched a fighting patrol based on credible intelligence about the movement of suspected terrorists in the area.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Adewumi, the suspects fled after sighting the advancing troops.
The soldiers pursued them through routes used by the fleeing terrorists and subsequently discovered and rescued the 22 abducted victims.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of three motorcycles and other items reportedly abandoned by the suspects.
The Army said the rescued victims were handed over to the leadership of the Muchiya community and later reunited with their families.
One of the victims, identified as Alhaji Hassan, sustained injuries while in captivity. He was evacuated to a medical facility and is responding to treatment.
The Commander of the 18 Brigade commended the troops for their resilience, gallantry and determination during the operation.
He urged the soldiers to maintain the momentum and intensify security operations to strengthen control of the area.
The commander also assured residents of Muchiya and neighbouring communities of the brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
He appealed to residents to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information on the activities of criminal elements.
The rescue underscores ongoing military efforts to tackle terrorist activities and prevent further abductions in vulnerable communities across Niger State.
