Troops Foil Terrorists’ Kidnap Bid, Rescue 22 Victims In Twin Sokoto Operations

Troops rescue 22 kidnap victims in Sokoto after swift operations forced fleeing terrorists to abandon captives.

Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 22 kidnapped victims in separate operations carried out in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.

The military disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.

According to the statement, the rescue operations were conducted on 18 June 2026 following separate terrorist attacks in the affected communities.

The first incident occurred along the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road at Kura Mota Village, where terrorists reportedly blocked the highway, attacked two civilian vehicles and abducted several passengers.

The statement noted that one civilian was killed during the attack.

It said troops acted immediately after receiving intelligence on the incident, mobilising to the scene and launching a coordinated pursuit operation backed by aerial surveillance.

“The prompt response and sustained pressure mounted by the troops forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee,” the statement said.

As a result of the operation, 17 kidnapped passengers were rescued and handed over to the appropriate authorities.

In a related operation, troops responded to another terrorist attack at Chohi Village, where armed terrorists attempted to abduct farmers working on their farmlands.

The military said troops rapidly deployed to the area after receiving a distress call and pursued the attackers along their withdrawal route.

“The aggressive pursuit led to the successful rescue of five kidnapped farmers, who were thereafter reunited with their families,” the statement added.

Following the rescues, troops carried out 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 successful operations reflected its continued determination to protect lives and secure communities across the North-West.

“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,” the statement stated.