Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 18 Brigade have rescued 21 kidnapped victims following a fierce gun battle with suspected terrorists in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The rescue operation was carried out after troops acted on credible intelligence about the activities of terrorists in Abaha and Sabon Wuri communities in the area.
The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 18 Brigade, Captain Adebayo Samuel Adewumi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday. 
According to him, troops swiftly mobilised to the affected communities to intercept the criminal elements after receiving intelligence reports about their activities.
He said the soldiers made contact with the terrorists, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire during which the troops overpowered the assailants.
The terrorists reportedly fled into the nearby bush in disarray, with some believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.
Adewumi said all 21 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued without injuries.
He added that the victims received first aid treatment and underwent preliminary profiling before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families.
The Army spokesman further disclosed that troops had intensified security operations in the area through aggressive patrols and ambushes aimed at tracking down and arresting the fleeing terrorists.
The Commander of 18 Brigade also urged residents of Mariga and neighbouring local government areas to remain vigilant and promptly report anyone found with suspected gunshot wounds or any suspicious movement to the nearest security agency.
He stressed that timely information from members of the public would assist security agencies in tracking down the fleeing criminals and preventing further attacks.
