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 successful operations, conducted on June 18, 2026, are part of ongoing efforts by security forces to protect lives and property and deny terrorists freedom of action across the North-West region.
According to the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the first rescue mission was launched after troops received credible intelligence that terrorists had blocked the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road at Kura Mota Village and attacked two civilian vehicles.
“During the attack, the terrorists abducted several passengers and reportedly killed one civilian.
“Troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and, with support from aerial surveillance, launched a coordinated pursuit operation against the attackers.
“The sustained pressure mounted by the troops forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee. As a result, 17 kidnapped passengers were rescued and handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action,” he explained.
In a related operation on the same day, the information officer said troops responded to a distress call from Chohi Village, where armed terrorists had attempted to kidnap farmers working on their farmlands.
He noted that security personnel rapidly deployed to the area and pursued the terrorists along their escape route.
Lieutenant colonel Danja said the aggressive pursuit led to the “successful rescue of five kidnapped farmers, who were subsequently reunited with their families.”
According to him, following the operations, troops conducted confidence-building patrols in nearby communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages, to reassure residents, strengthen security presence and prevent further terrorist activities.
He further stated that said the successful rescue missions underscore the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to safeguarding vulnerable communities and ensuring that citizens can go about their lawful activities without fear.
The Joint Task Force Information officer reaffirmed the operation determination to sustain offensive and rescue operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace across the North-West region.
