Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Brigade have rescued nine kidnapped victims and foiled attempted terrorist attacks in Mariga and Rijau Local Government Areas of Niger State.

The operations, conducted as part of intensified offensive operations within the Brigade’s area of responsibility, also led to the recovery of weapons, motorcycles and suspected rustled livestock.

The Army said troops of the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) Admin Battalion, deployed at Kotonkoro, rescued the nine victims in Mariga LGA on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

The victims were subsequently handed over to officials of the Mariga Local Government for documentation and reunification with their families.

On the same day, troops conducting a fighting patrol in the Warari area of Rijau LGA also cleared a terrorist ambush and recovered seven motorcycles, one camel, 47 cattle and 18 sheep allegedly rustled from local communities.

The Army also said troops of the Quick Response Force, working with personnel of 311 Artillery Regiment and Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Battalion X, foiled an attempted terrorist attack and infiltration of communities around Majal and Tunga Bisallah in Rijau LGA on August 10.

The terrorists reportedly fled into a nearby forest after encountering the troops, abandoning weapons and motorcycles.

Troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, assorted ammunition and one motorcycle, while six other motorcycles were destroyed.

The Commander of 18 Brigade commended the troops for their courage and professionalism, urging them to sustain offensive operations and remain vigilant.

He also called for continued collaboration with local communities to provide credible intelligence that would help disrupt terrorist activities and protect lives and property across the state.