Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), have rescued 22 kidnapped victims during separate operations conducted in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, saying the operations followed intelligence-led responses to terrorist activities in the affected areas.
According to the statement, the first incident occurred on June 18, 2026, after troops received credible intelligence that terrorists had blocked the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road at Kura Mota Village and attacked two civilian vehicles.
The terrorists reportedly abducted several passengers during the attack, while one civilian was killed in the process.
The statement said troops immediately mobilised to the location and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance.
“The prompt response and sustained pressure mounted by the troops forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee. Consequently, 17 kidnapped passengers were successfully rescued and subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary action,” the statement said.
In a related operation, troops responded to another terrorist attack at Chohi Village on the same date, where armed assailants attempted to abduct farmers working on their farmlands.
“Upon receipt of the distress call, troops rapidly deployed to the area and pursued the fleeing terrorists along their withdrawal route.
“The aggressive pursuit led to the successful rescue of five kidnapped farmers, who were thereafter reunited with their families,” the statement added.
Following the rescue operation, troops conducted confidence-building patrols in nearby communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages, to reassure residents, strengthen security presence and prevent further terrorist activities in the area.
The Joint Task Force said the successful operations demonstrate the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protecting lives and property, securing vulnerable communities and creating an environment where citizens can carry out their lawful activities without fear.
The operation is part of ongoing military efforts in the North-West region aimed at tackling banditry, terrorism and other security threats affecting communities across the region.
