Troops Rescue 23 Kidnap Victims, Arrest Four Lakurawa Suspects In Sokoto
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 23 kidnapped victims and arrested four suspected Lakurawa terrorists in coordinated operations across Sokoto State.
The operations, conducted on Sunday, September 20, 2026, also foiled attempted terrorist movements and led to the recovery of six rustled cattle.
In Wurno Local Government Area, troops responded to an attack on Sabon Gari community where gunmen invaded and opened fire, forcing residents to flee. The soldiers engaged the assailants and forced them to withdraw, rescuing six abducted persons in the process. One civilian who sustained gunshot injuries was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
In a separate intelligence-led operation along Sabon Birni–Taketsaba Road, around Chabe Biyu in Sabon Birni LGA, troops laid ambush for terrorists attempting to move through the area. On sighting the criminals, the troops opened fire, forcing them to flee in disarray. Soldiers have since dominated the area to prevent regrouping.
Confirming the operation, the military spokesman, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, said the action demonstrated troops’ swift response to intelligence.
“Troops engaged the terrorists with firepower on sighting, forcing them to flee in disarray. Troops dominate the general area in order to deny the terrorists freedom of action,” Danja said.
Similarly, in Isa Local Government Area, troops acting on a distress call along Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road engaged terrorists and forced them to retreat. A search of the area led to the rescue of 17 more kidnapped victims, bringing the total to 23. One of the rescued victims who sustained a fracture was taken to the General Hospital, Isa, for treatment.
In Illela LGA, troops intercepted four suspected Lakurawa members while moving six rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela. Acting on credible intelligence, soldiers mounted a snap checkpoint along the route and arrested the suspects.
The suspects and the recovered cattle are in military custody for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the group.
Danja said the operations underscore the effectiveness of intelligence-driven offensives by Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to disrupt terrorism, rescue abducted civilians and deny criminal elements freedom of movement.
He added that troops remain committed to sustaining pressure on terrorists and protecting communities in the Joint Operations Area(Guardian)
