Troops Foil Terrorists’ Kidnap Attempts, Rescue 22 Victims In Sokoto

Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA have successfully foiled kidnap attempts and rescued 22 kidnapped victims in separate operations conducted in Sabon Birni and Isa local government areas of Sokoto State.

A statement by the Media Information Officer Join Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA Lt-Col Aliyu Danja said the operation further demonstrates the Task Force’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of the citizenry and ensuring the security of communities across the theatre of operations.
According to him, troops
on 18 June 2026, responded to credible intelligence that terrorists had blocked the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road at Kura Mota Village and attacked two civilian vehicles, abducting several passengers.

He said while one civilian was sadly killed by the terrorists during the attack, troops immediately mobilized to the scene and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance.

He said the prompt response and sustained pressure mounted by the troops forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee.
“Consequently, 17 kidnapped passengers were successfully rescued and subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary action,” he said.

In a related development, troops on 18 June 2026 responded to another terrorist attack at Chohi Village where armed terrorists attempted to abduct farmers working on their farmlands.
He said following a distress call, troops rapidly deployed to the area and pursued the fleeing terrorists along their withdrawal route,adding that the aggressive pursuit led to the successful rescue of five kidnapped farmers, who were thereafter reunited with their families.

He stated that following the rescue operation, troops conducted confidence-building patrols in surrounding communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages, to reassure residents, dominate the area and deny terrorists freedom of action.

He reassured that these successful rescue operations underscore the unwavering commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, to protecting the lives and property of the citizenry, safeguarding vulnerable communities and creating a secure environment for citizens to pursue their lawful daily activities without fear.