Nigerian troops have rescued 23 kidnapped victims, thwarted multiple terrorist attacks, and apprehended four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in separate recent operations across Sokoto State.
According to Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, media information officer for the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the operations were carried out on September 20, 2026. Troops also recovered six rustled cattle during these missions.
Providing details, Danja said troops responded to a distress call about a terrorist attack in Sabon Gari, Wurno Local Government Area. The attackers had invaded the community, firing sporadically and causing residents to flee. Troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to withdraw, and rescued six kidnapped victims in the aftermath. A civilian with a gunshot wound was evacuated for medical treatment.
In a separate operation along the Sabon Birni–Takatsaba Road in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, troops acting on intelligence ambushed terrorists attempting to cross the Chabe Biyu axis. Upon contact, the terrorists fled in disarray, and troops secured the area to prevent further movement by criminal elements.
Additionally, 17 kidnapped victims were rescued after troops responded to a distress call regarding terrorist activity along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area. The rescue followed a gun battle in which the attackers were forced to retreat. One of the rescued victims, who suffered a fracture, was taken to the General Hospital in Isa for treatment.
Elsewhere, four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group were arrested during an intelligence-led operation in Illela Local Government Area. The suspects were intercepted while moving a herd of rustled cattle from Sarma Village toward Illela. Six cows were recovered and, along with the suspects, are now in military custody for further investigation.
Lt. Col. Danja emphasized that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the group. He noted that these operations highlight the effectiveness of intelligence-led, proactive military engagement in disrupting terrorist activities, rescuing kidnapped civilians, and restricting the movement of criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area. He also reaffirmed the troops’ commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and protecting communities within their area of responsibility.
