Troops operating under the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 23 abductees and apprehended four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in coordinated operations across Sokoto State.
The military spokesman for the task force, Lt-Col. Aliyu Danja, confirmed the developments in a statement released on Monday, noting that the clearance exercises took place on Sunday.
In Illela Local Government Area, soldiers acting on intelligence intercepted four suspected Lakurawa operatives who were driving a herd of rustled cattle from Sarma Village. The deployment of a snap checkpoint along the route led to the arrests and the retrieval of six cows. “The suspects and recovered livestock are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the group,” Danja noted.
Military forces also responded to a distress call regarding armed activity along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area. Following a firefight that forced the insurgents to retreat, troops combed the area and freed 17 kidnapped civilians. “Exploitation of the area led to the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians. One of the rescued victims, who sustained a fracture, was immediately evacuated to the General Hospital, Isa, for medical attention,” the statement read.
In Wurno Local Government Area, Sector 2 troops repelled an assault on Sabon Gari after gunmen invaded the community and opened fire. The soldiers engaged the attackers, forcing them to withdraw, and rescued six held captives. “During the operation, troops rescued six kidnapped victims. One civilian who sustained a gunshot wound during the attack was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment,” Danja reported.
Troops additionally foiled a planned movement by insurgents along the Sabon Birni–Takatsaba Road around Chabe Biyu in Sabon Birni Local Government Area by laying an ambush along their expected advance route. Upon contact, the military opened fire, forcing the assailants to retreat. “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 stated.
The task force maintained that these proactive, intelligence-led missions demonstrate the military’s ongoing commitment to disrupting insurgent networks, rescuing hostages, and maintaining pressure on criminal elements throughout their operational sector.