Troops rescue 23 kidnap victims, arrest 4 terror suspects in Sokoto

From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto

Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded major operational successes across Sokoto State, rescuing 23 kidnapped victims, thwarting terrorist attacks, and apprehending four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed the developments in a statement released on Monday in Sokoto.

According to Danja, troops responded on September 20 to a terrorist attack at Sabon Gari in Wurno Local Government Area, where insurgents invaded the community and fired sporadically.

According to the statement: “The military engaged the assailants, forcing them to retreat and rescuing six kidnapped victims.

“One civilian who sustained a gunshot wound was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.

“In another operation on the same day, troops acted on intelligence regarding an attempted crossing by terrorists along the Sabon Birni-Takatsaba Road near Chabe Biyu in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.

“Units mobilized and laid an ambush along the insurgents’ axis of advance, engaging them with superior firepower and forcing them to flee into the surrounding terrain.”

Similarly, troops responded to a distress call reporting terrorist activity along the Isa-Kwanar Isa-Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area.

“Following an engagement that forced the terrorists to withdraw, search and exploitation operations led to the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians.

“One victim suffering from a fracture was evacuated to the General Hospital in Isa for medical attention.

“Furthermore, troops conducted an intelligence-driven operation following reports of suspected Lakurawa members driving a herd of rustled cattle from Sarma Village toward Illela.

“A snap checkpoint established along the route in Illela Local Government Area resulted in the arrest of four suspected members of the group and the recovery of six cows.

“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,” Danja stated.

He added that these successes highlight the impact of proactive, intelligence-led operations across Sector 2, reaffirming the military’s commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and safeguarding local communities.