By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
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 during separate operations across Sokoto State.
The operations, conducted on September 20, 2026, took place in Wurno, Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas, where troops responded to terrorist activities, engaged the attackers and successfully rescued civilians held in captivity.
The Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday, saying the successes were a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-driven and proactive military operations in the North-West.
According to the statement, troops swiftly responded to a terrorist attack on Sabon Gari community in Wurno Local Government Area after armed terrorists invaded the area and opened fire, forcing residents to flee. The troops engaged the attackers and compelled them to retreat, while six kidnapped victims were rescued. A civilian who sustained a gunshot wound during the attack was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
In another operation, troops acted on intelligence indicating an attempt by terrorists to cross the Sabon Birni–Takatsaba Road near Chabe Biyu in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. The troops laid an ambush along the suspected route and engaged the terrorists on sight, forcing them to flee. Troops subsequently dominated the area to prevent the terrorists from regrouping.
Similarly, troops responded to a distress call on terrorist activities along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area. Following a firefight, the terrorists withdrew, while troops rescued 17 kidnapped civilians. One of the rescued victims, who sustained a fracture, was evacuated to the General Hospital in Isa for medical attention.
In a separate intelligence-led operation in Illela Local Government Area, troops intercepted suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group who were allegedly moving rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela. The operation led to the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of six cows.
Military authorities said the suspects and recovered livestock are in custody for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the group.
Danja noted that the latest operational gains underscored the commitment of troops to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements, rescuing kidnapped civilians and protecting communities across the Joint Operations Area.
