Troops Rescue 23 Kidnapped Victims, Arrest 4 Terrorists in Sokoto
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
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 Sokoto State.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Sokoto.
Danja said that on Sept. 20, troops swiftly responded to a terrorist attack on Sabon Gari in Wurno Local Government Area, where the terrorists invaded the community and fired sporadically, causing civilians to flee.
He said the troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to withdraw, and rescued six kidnapped victims during the operation.
According to him, one civilian who sustained gunshot wound during the attack was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
“In a separate operation the same day, troops responded to intelligence indicating attempt by terrorists to cross the Sabon Birni-Takatsaba Road around Chabe Biyu in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
“Troops swiftly mobilised and laid ambush at the terrorists’ axis of advance and engaged them with superior firepower on sighting, forcing them to flee in disarray. Troops are dominating the general area to deny the terrorists freedom of action,” he said.
Danja added that troops also responded to a distress call on terrorist activities along the Isa-Kwanar Isa-Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area on the same day.
He said troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them, forcing them to withdraw, adding that exploitation of the area led to the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians.
“One of the rescued victims, who sustained a fracture, was immediately evacuated to the General Hospital, Isa, for medical attention,” he said.
The spokesman further disclosed that in an intelligence-driven operation, troops acted on information regarding movement of suspected Lakurawa members driving a herd of rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela.
He said troops swiftly mobilised to Illela Local Government Area and established a snap checkpoint along the suspected movement route, leading to the arrest of four suspected members of the group and 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 said.
He said the successes underscore the effectiveness of intelligence-driven and proactive operations being conducted by troops of Sector 2 to disrupt terrorist activities, rescue kidnapped civilians and deny terrorists freedom of movement across the Joint Operations Area.
He reaffirmed the resolve of the troops to sustain pressure on terrorist elements and protect communities within their area of responsibility.
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