Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 23 kidnapped victims, foiled terrorist attacks and arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in separate operations across Sokoto State.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday.
The operations, conducted on September 20, 2026, also led to the recovery of six cattle allegedly rustled by terrorists.
In Wurno Local Government Area, troops responded to an attack on Sabon Gari after terrorists invaded the community and opened fire, forcing residents to flee.
The troops engaged the attackers and forced them to withdraw, rescuing six kidnapped victims in the process.
A civilian who sustained a gunshot wound during the attack was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
In a separate operation along the Sabon Birni-Takatsaba Road in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, troops acted on intelligence that terrorists were attempting to cross the road around Chabe Biyu.
The troops established an ambush along the suspected route and engaged the terrorists after sighting them, forcing them to flee.
They subsequently dominated the area to prevent the attackers from regrouping or regaining freedom of movement.
Similarly, troops responded to a distress call over terrorist activities along the Isa-Kwanar Isa-Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area.
According to the military, troops engaged the terrorists and forced them to withdraw in disarray. A subsequent search of the area led to the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians.
One of the rescued victims, who sustained a fracture, was evacuated to General Hospital, Isa, for treatment.
In another intelligence-driven operation in Illela Local Government Area, troops intercepted suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group allegedly moving a herd of rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela.
The troops established a snap checkpoint along the suspected route, resulting in the arrest of four suspected Lakurawa members and the recovery of six cows.
The suspects and recovered livestock remain in military custody for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the group.
Lieutenant Colonel Danja said the operations demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven and proactive military action in disrupting terrorist activities and rescuing kidnapped civilians.
He added that troops would continue to sustain pressure on terrorist elements and protect communities across the Joint Operations Area.
