By Nkechi Eze
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled terrorist attacks and rescued 23 kidnapped victims during separate operations across Sokoto State.
According to an official statement signed by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the operations were conducted on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
The troops responded to a terrorist attack on Sabon Gari in Wurno Local Government Area, where terrorists invaded the community and fired sporadically, forcing residents to flee.
The troops engaged the terrorists and forced them to withdraw, rescuing six kidnapped victims in the process. A civilian who sustained a gunshot wound during the attack was also evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
In a separate operation, troops acting on intelligence intercepted a suspected attempt by terrorists to cross the Sabon Birni–Takatsaba Road around Chabe Biyu in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
The troops laid an ambush along the terrorists’ axis of advance and engaged them with firepower upon sighting them, forcing the terrorists to flee in disarray. The troops subsequently dominated the area to deny the terrorists freedom of action.
Similarly, troops responding to a distress call about terrorist activities along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area engaged the terrorists and forced them to withdraw.
Exploitation of the area resulted in the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians. One of the rescued victims, who sustained a fracture, was evacuated to the General Hospital, Isa, for medical attention.
In another intelligence-driven operation in Illela Local Government Area, troops arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group who were allegedly moving a herd of rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela.
The troops established a snap checkpoint along the suspected route and intercepted the suspects, recovering six cows.
The suspects and recovered livestock are currently in military custody for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the group.
The latest operations, according to the statement, demonstrate the continued efforts of troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, to disrupt terrorist activities, rescue kidnapped civilians and deny terrorists freedom of movement across the Joint Operations Area.
The troops remain committed to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and protecting communities within their area of responsibility.
