Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 23 kidnapped civilians and foiled attempted terrorist attacks during separate operations across Sokoto State.
The operations were conducted on Sunday, September 20, 2026, following intelligence reports and distress calls concerning terrorist activities in different parts of the state. According to the Joint Task Force, the operations also resulted in the arrest of four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group and the recovery of six cattle allegedly rustled by terrorists.
Attack in Wurno
In Sabon Gari, Wurno Local Government Area, troops responded to an attack after armed terrorists invaded the community and opened fire, forcing some residents to flee.
The soldiers engaged the attackers and succeeded in forcing them to withdraw from the area.
During the operation, six kidnapped civilians were rescued. A civilian who sustained a gunshot injury was also evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
Terrorist ambush foiled in Sabon Birni
In another operation, troops acted on intelligence concerning the movement of terrorists along the Sabon Birni–Takatsaba Road, around Chabe Biyu in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
The soldiers established an ambush along the suspected route and engaged the terrorists after sighting them.
The attackers were forced to flee, while the troops maintained control of the area to prevent the terrorists from regrouping or launching further attacks.
17 kidnapped civilians rescued in Isa
Troops also responded to a distress call concerning terrorist activity along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area.
The troops made contact with the attackers and engaged them, forcing the terrorists to retreat.
A subsequent search of the area led to the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians, bringing the total number of rescued victims from the operations to 23.
One of the rescued victims sustained a fracture and was immediately taken to General Hospital, Isa, for medical attention.
Four suspected Lakurawa members arrested
In a separate intelligence-led operation in Illela Local Government Area, troops received information about suspected members of the Lakurawa group allegedly moving rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela.
The soldiers established a snap checkpoint along the suspected route and intercepted the movement.
The operation resulted in the arrest of four suspected Lakurawa members, while six cattle were recovered.
The suspects and recovered livestock were taken into military custody for further investigation. Security forces are also continuing efforts to apprehend other members of the group who escaped from the area.
Military vows to sustain operations
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-West, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the latest operations demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led and proactive military action in disrupting terrorist activities and rescuing civilians held in captivity.
The military said its troops would continue operations aimed at restricting the movement of terrorist and criminal groups and protecting communities within the Joint Operations Area.
The latest operations highlight the continuing security challenges in parts of Sokoto State, particularly areas affected by kidnapping, terrorist movements and cattle rustling. The military’s reported rescue of 23 victims and the arrest of four suspects represent the outcome of several coordinated operations carried out across different local government areas.