Army Expansion Deals Major Blow to Terrorists as Troops Rescue 16 Kidnap Victims, Recover AK-47 Rifles, RPG Bombs, 33 Motorcycles in Niger

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Brigade have dealt significant blows to terrorists and kidnapping gangs operating across Niger State, rescuing 16 abducted persons and recovering assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs, ammunition and 33 motorcycles in a series of operations.

The operations, conducted between November 3 and 5, 2026, highlight the growing operational reach of the Nigerian Army following the expansion of its formations and enhanced deployment of troops to vulnerable areas.

In the first operation on November 5, troops, acting on credible intelligence about the movement of terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State, established an ambush along suspected criminal routes.

The troops subsequently made contact with the armed group, which had reportedly abducted residents of the area, and engaged them in a fierce encounter, neutralising an unconfirmed number of terrorists and rescuing 16 kidnapped victims.

A search of the operational area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three RPG high-explosive anti-personnel bombs, 33 motorcycles, assorted ammunition and N4.105 million in cash.

In a related operation on November 3, troops intercepted another group of terrorists moving from Makuku Village in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State towards Tungan Kawo in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.

The troops engaged the criminals in a fierce firefight, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

A subsequent exploitation of the area resulted in the recovery of five motorcycles, a mobile phone, N644,300 and other sundry items.

The 16 rescued victims have received first aid and were subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families, while the recovered weapons, ammunition and other items remain in military custody.

The Commander, 18 Brigade, commended the troops for their gallantry, resilience and commitment to duty, urging them to sustain the operational momentum and intensify efforts to rid the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility of criminal elements.

The latest successes underscore the importance of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing expansion, which is strengthening its operational footprint, improving rapid response capabilities and enabling sustained pressure against terrorist networks, particularly across the volatile North-West and North-Central security corridors.

The recovery of 33 motorcycles, in particular, represents a significant disruption to the mobility and logistics of armed groups that rely heavily on motorcycles to transport fighters, weapons and supplies across remote communities and forest routes.

Army Expansion Deals Major Blow to Terrorists as Troops Rescue 16 Kidnap Victims, Recover AK-47 Rifles, RPG Bombs, 33 Motorcycles in Niger

Military Air Strike Kills Over 40 ISWAP Fighters, Destroys Vehicles in Badu Village in Borno

By Zagazola Makama

A preliminary intelligence assessment has indicated that a military air strikes on an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) position at Badu village, south of Gudumbali in Borno State, killed more than 40 fighters and destroyed two vehicles and about 20 motorcycles.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the strike, conducted on Oct. 10, targeted a concentration of ISWAP’s elite Murabitun fighters believed to have been deployed in the area for mobile patrols and surveillance.

According to the preliminary intelligence report, a prominent Qaid (commander) was among those reportedly killed, while the majority of the casualties were recorded inside and around a building hit during the air operation.

The Murabitun fighters are described as an elite mobile patrol element of ISWAP, typically deployed for periods of two to four weeks to conduct opportunistic attacks and provide early warning along the Gudumbali–Kukawa–Gajiram corridor.

Their reported mission in the area is to deter the advance of Nigerian troops towards the Lake Chad region.

Sources further said that ISWAP elements arriving from the Lake Chad area visited Badu at first light on Oct. 11 to evacuate surviving casualties and recover those affected by the strike.

The sources also alleged that the arriving fighters engaged Fulani herders around the abandoned village.

Further details on the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the reported engagement with the herders, were still being awaited as of the latest intelligence update.

Military Air Strike Kills Over 40 ISWAP Fighters, Destroys Vehicles in Badu Village in Borno

Brig.-Gen. Ayoola Takes Over as Chief of Staff of Operation Enduring Peace

By Zagazola Makama

Brig.-Gen. T.A. Ayoola has taken over as the Chief of Staff of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) from Brig.-Gen. M.S. Sule in Jos, Plateau State.

The handing and taking over ceremony took place at about 1:00 p.m. on Oct. 10 at the Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace, Jos.

Security sources said the ceremony was conducted smoothly, marking the formal transfer of responsibilities from the outgoing Chief of Staff to his successor.
Brig.-Gen. Sule handed over the position to Brig.-Gen. Ayoola during the brief ceremony.l

Operation Enduring Peace is responsible for security operations aimed at maintaining peace and stability across its area of responsibility in Plateau State and surrounding communities.

Brig.-Gen. Ayoola Takes Over as Chief of Staff of Operation Enduring Peace