Troops Rescue 22 Kidnapped Victims In Sokoto

Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 22 kidnapped victims in separate operations in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.

Naija News understands that the rescued victims included 17 travellers and five farmers abducted by terrorists during attacks on communities in the state.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists over the weekend.

Danja said the operations were carried out following credible intelligence and distress calls from affected communities.

According to the statement, the first incident occurred on June 18, 2026, when troops received reports that terrorists had blocked the Sabon Birni-Shinkafi Road at Kura Mota Village.

The terrorists were said to have attacked two civilian vehicles and abducted several passengers.

Danja said one civilian was killed during the attack.

He said troops immediately mobilised to the scene and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance.

According to him, the swift response and sustained pressure mounted by the troops forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee.

The military spokesman said 17 kidnapped passengers were successfully rescued and handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.

In a related development, Danja said troops also responded to another terrorist attack at Chohi Village on the same day.

He said armed terrorists had attempted to abduct farmers working on their farmlands when troops rapidly deployed to the area.

The troops pursued the fleeing terrorists along their withdrawal route, leading to the rescue of five kidnapped farmers.

The rescued farmers were later reunited with their families.

Following the rescue operations, troops conducted confidence-building patrols in surrounding communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages.

Danja said the patrols were aimed at reassuring residents, dominating the area and denying terrorists freedom of action.

The military said the operations demonstrated the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protecting lives and property across the North-West.

The statement added that the troops remained determined to safeguard vulnerable communities and create a secure environment for citizens to carry out their lawful activities without fear.

It further stated that the operations reflected the troops’ resolve to sustain security across the theatre of operations.