Sixteen people held captive by suspected terrorists have regained their freedom following a military encounter in Niger State, with troops recovering weapons, cash and dozens of motorcycles believed to be linked to criminal operations.

The rescue took place on November 5 in Kontagora Local Government Area, where soldiers attached to the Nigerian Army’s 18 Brigade confronted armed men reportedly moving through the area. Two AK-47 rifles, three rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs, seven magazines and assorted ammunition were among the items recovered.

The troops also seized 33 motorcycles and N4.1 million during the operation. An unspecified number of the suspected terrorists were reportedly killed in the encounter.

Details of the operation were contained in a report by Channels Television, which quoted the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Adewumi, as confirming that the freed captives had received initial medical attention and were handed over to relevant authorities.

The report also highlighted a separate military engagement on November 3 involving suspected gunmen moving between Kebbi and Niger states. Soldiers intercepted the group along the route from Makuku Village in Sakaba LGA to Tungan Kawo in Rijau LGA, triggering an exchange of gunfire. The attackers reportedly escaped into nearby woodland, leaving behind five motorcycles, a mobile phone and N644,300.

The latest security gains come as pressure mounts on authorities to address attacks on communities in Niger State. On October 31, gunmen reportedly seized 14 pupils from an Islamiyya school and their teacher in Tungan-Bako, Rafi LGA.

The Niger State House of Assembly has also called for stronger military deployment in vulnerable communities following attacks in Rafi, while commending security personnel for preventing further damage during one of the incidents.