By Gabriel Ameh
Troops Rescue 23 Kidnap Victims, Arrest Four Suspected Lakurawa Members in Sokoto
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 23 kidnapped civilians, foiled attempted terrorist attacks and arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in separate operations across Sokoto State.
The operations, conducted on September 20, 2026, also led to the recovery of six cows suspected to have been rustled, according to a statement issued on Monday by the Joint Task Force.
In Wurno Local Government Area, troops responded to an attack on Sabon Gari after terrorists invaded the community and opened fire, forcing residents to flee.
The troops engaged the attackers and forced them to withdraw from the area. Six kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation, while a civilian who sustained a gunshot injury was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
In another operation along the Sabon Birni–Takatsaba Road, troops acted on intelligence about an attempt by terrorists to cross the area around Chabe Biyu in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
The troops mobilised to the area and established an ambush along the suspected route of advance. They engaged the terrorists when they were sighted, forcing them to flee, while troops subsequently dominated the area to restrict their movement.
Also on September 20, troops responded to reports of terrorist activity along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area.
The troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them, forcing the attackers to withdraw. A subsequent search of the area resulted in the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians.
One of the rescued victims, who sustained a fracture, was evacuated to the General Hospital, Isa, for medical attention.
Meanwhile, in Illela Local Government Area, troops acting on intelligence intercepted the movement of suspected Lakurawa members allegedly driving a herd of rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela.
The troops established a snap checkpoint along the suspected route and arrested four suspected members of the group.
Six cows were also recovered during the operation.
The military said the suspects and recovered livestock remain in custody for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the group who fled the scene.
The Joint Task Force said the operations demonstrate the continued use of intelligence-led and proactive measures by troops of Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA to disrupt terrorist activities, rescue kidnapped civilians and restrict the movement of armed groups across its area of responsibility.
It added that troops remain committed to sustaining operations against terrorist elements and protecting communities within the Joint Operations Area.
Source: Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA
Media Information Officer: Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja
Date: September 21, 2026
