Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 16 hostages and recovered arms and ammunition in Mashegu and Tungan Kawo in Rijau council area of Niger.

In a statement on Friday, Adebayo Adewumi, the acting spokesman for 18 Brigade, said the operation was conducted on Thursday.

“Acting on credible intelligence about the movement of terrorists from Mashegu Local Government Area towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area, established an ambush along suspected terrorist routes,” he said.

He stated that the troops made contact with the terrorists, who had earlier kidnapped residents of the area, killing several of the insurgents.

Two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three RPG high-explosive anti-personnel bombs, 33 motorcycles, assorted ammunition and ₦4,105,000 in cash were recovered.

The army said in another incident on Tuesday, troops intercepted terrorists moving from Makuku Village in Sakaba council area of Kebbi towards Tungan Kawo in Rijau council area of Niger.

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

He noted that a subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of five motorcycles, a mobile phone, ₦644,300 and other sundry items.

“The 16 rescued victims have received first aid and have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their families,” Mr Adewumi said.