Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 23 kidnapped victims and arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group during separate operations in Sokoto State.
The operations, carried out on September 20, 2026, also led to the recovery of six cattle allegedly rustled by terrorists.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.
According to Danja, troops responded to a terrorist attack on Sabon Gari in Wurno Local Government Area after gunmen invaded the community and opened fire, forcing residents to flee.
The troops engaged the attackers, compelling them to withdraw from the area, while six kidnapped victims were rescued.
A civilian who sustained a gunshot injury during the attack was also evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
In Sabon Birni Local Government Area, troops acting on intelligence intercepted terrorists attempting to cross the Sabon Birni–Takatsaba Road around Chabe Biyu.
The soldiers established an ambush along the suspected route and engaged the terrorists after sighting them, forcing the group to flee.
The troops subsequently dominated the area to prevent the terrorists from regrouping or moving freely within the vicinity.
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Similarly, troops deployed along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area responded to a distress call over terrorist activities in the area.
Danja said the troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.
A search operation conducted afterwards 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 suspected members of the Lakurawa group allegedly transporting rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela.
The troops mounted a snap checkpoint along the suspected route and arrested four suspects, while six cows were recovered.
The military said the suspects and livestock remain in custody as investigations continue, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the group who escaped.
Danja said the operations underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-led and proactive military actions in disrupting terrorist activities and rescuing kidnapped civilians.
He added that troops would continue to sustain pressure on terrorist elements and protect communities within the Joint Operations Area.