Troops Rescue 22 Kidnap Victims, Foil Terrorist Attacks in Sokoto

By Harriet Tornguvan 

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

The successful operations, according to a statement by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, underscore the commitment of the troops to protecting lives and property as well as restoring peace across communities affected by terrorist activities.

The first operation was carried out on June 18, 2026, following credible intelligence that terrorists had blocked the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road around Kura Mota Village, where they attacked two civilian vehicles and abducted several passengers.

During the attack, one civilian was reportedly killed by the terrorists. However, troops swiftly mobilised to the location and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance.

The sustained pressure from the troops forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee, leading to the rescue of 17 kidnapped passengers who were later handed over to the relevant authorities for further assistance.

In a separate incident on the same day, troops responded to a distress call from Chohi Village, where armed terrorists attempted to abduct farmers working on their farmlands.

The troops immediately deployed to the area and pursued the attackers along their escape route, successfully rescuing five kidnapped farmers who were subsequently reunited with their families.

Following the rescue missions, troops intensified confidence-building patrols in neighbouring communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages, to reassure residents and prevent further terrorist activities.

The military said the operations demonstrate the determination of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to deny criminal elements freedom of action while creating a safer environment for citizens to carry out their lawful activities without fear.