Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 23 kidnapped civilians and arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in separate operations across Sokoto State.
The operations, conducted on Sunday, September 20, 2026, also resulted in the recovery of six rustled cattle, the disruption of terrorist activities and the evacuation of two injured civilians for medical treatment.
In Wurno Local Government Area, troops responded swiftly to a terrorist attack on Sabon Gari after armed assailants invaded the community and opened sporadic fire, forcing residents to flee.
The troops engaged the attackers and successfully forced them to withdraw from the area. During the operation, six kidnapped civilians were rescued, while a civilian who sustained a gunshot wound 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 indicating an attempt by terrorists to cross the area around Chabe Biyu.
The troops swiftly mobilised and established an ambush along the terrorists’ anticipated axis of advance. On sighting the terrorists, the troops engaged them with firepower, forcing them to flee in disarray.
Troops subsequently dominated the general area to deny the terrorists freedom of movement and prevent further attacks on communities within the area.
Also on the same day, troops responded to a distress call concerning terrorist activities along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area.
The troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them, compelling the attackers to withdraw. Subsequent 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.
Meanwhile, in an 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.
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops established a snap checkpoint along the suspected route and arrested four suspected members of the group. Six cows were also recovered.
The suspects and recovered livestock are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the group.
The Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the latest successes underscored the effectiveness of the troops’ intelligence-driven and proactive operations across the Joint Operations Area.
He said the troops remained resolute in sustaining pressure on terrorist elements, disrupting their activities, rescuing kidnapped civilians and protecting communities within their area of responsibility.