Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 23 kidnapped civilians and arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in separate operations across Sokoto State.
The operations, conducted on Sunday, September 20, also foiled attempted attacks and led to the recovery of six cattle allegedly rustled by terrorists, according to the military.
In Wurno Local Government Area, troops responded to an attack on Sabon Gari after armed men invaded the community and opened fire, forcing residents to flee.
The troops engaged the attackers and forced them to withdraw, rescuing six kidnapped civilians in the process. A civilian who sustained a gunshot wound was also evacuated to a medical facility.
In Sabon Birni Local Government Area, troops acting on intelligence foiled an attempted terrorist movement along the Sabon Birni–Taketsaba Road around Chabe Biyu.
The soldiers established an ambush along the suspected route and engaged the terrorists after sighting them, forcing the attackers to flee. Troops subsequently dominated the area to prevent a regrouping.
Military spokesman, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, said the operation demonstrated the troops’ ability to respond swiftly to intelligence on terrorist movements.
In another operation along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area, troops responding to a distress call engaged suspected terrorists and forced them to retreat.
A subsequent search of the area led to the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians, bringing the total number rescued during the operations to 23. One of the victims, who sustained a fracture, was evacuated to General Hospital, Isa, for treatment.
Meanwhile, troops in Illela Local Government Area acted on intelligence that suspected Lakurawa members were moving a herd of allegedly rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela.
The soldiers established a snap checkpoint along the suspected route, intercepted the movement and arrested four suspected members of the group. Six cattle were also recovered.
The suspects and livestock were taken into military custody for further investigation, while troops continued efforts to apprehend other suspects who fled.
Danja said the operations were part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist activities, rescue civilians held in captivity and restrict the movement of criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area.
He said the latest operations underscored the role of intelligence-led and proactive action in countering terrorist activity across the North-West.
The military spokesman said troops would continue to maintain pressure on terrorist elements and protect communities within their area of responsibility.
