Army rescues 22 kidnap victims in Niger village operation

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 22 kidnapped people in Muchiya village, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, according to an Army statement.

The rescue took place on September 15 after troops of 18 Brigade Garrison and 45 Battalion launched a fighting patrol in response to intelligence that armed men were gathering in the area.

The Army said the abductors fled into the surrounding forest after sighting the advancing soldiers. Troops pursued them along their escape routes and recovered three motorcycles and other items abandoned during the retreat.

Captain Adebayo Adewumi, the acting assistant director of Army Public Relations for 18 Brigade, gave the account in a statement issued on Wednesday and reported by Punch and Premium Times.

Adewumi said the rescued people were handed over to the leadership of Muchiya community and subsequently reunited with their families.

One victim, identified as Alhaji Hassan, had sustained an injury while in captivity. The Army said he was evacuated to a clinic and was responding to treatment.

The brigade commander commended the troops and directed them to sustain operations in the area. He also urged residents of Muchiya and neighbouring communities to provide timely information about the movements and activities of armed groups.

Sources: Punch, Premium Times