Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Brigade have rescued 21 kidnapped victims in the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, after a firefight with terrorists who fled into the bush.

The rescue took place on November 9, 2026, and was announced in a statement on Tuesday by Captain Adebayo Adewumi, spokesperson for the brigade.

He said troops acted on credible intelligence about terrorist activity in the villages of Abaha and Sabon Wuri and quickly sent a fighting patrol to the area to intercept the criminals. When the soldiers made contact, a fierce exchange of fire followed, and the terrorists were overpowered and fled in disarray with suspected gunshot wounds.

According to the Army, all 21 victims were rescued unhurt. After first aid and preliminary profiling, they were handed over to the appropriate authorities to be reunited with their families. Adewumi added that troops have stepped up aggressive patrols and ambush operations to track down the fleeing attackers.

The Army linked the latest success to its recent expansion, saying the added operational capacity has given units such as 18 Brigade a boost in the fight against kidnapping and terrorism in the state. It was the latest in a string of rescues by the brigade. In August, troops rescued nine kidnapped victims in Mariga, and in September, 22 captives were freed in Muchiya village in neighbouring Rafi Local Government Area.

Earlier in August, joint security forces also freed 308 abductees, including 145 taken from Niger State, from camps inside Kainji Lake National Park.

Niger State has remained a hotspot for banditry and mass abductions, with armed groups regularly attacking rural communities and kidnapping residents for ransom. Security forces say sustained offensive operations are meant to dominate the battlespace and prevent fresh attacks.