Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 23 kidnapped civilians, foiled terrorist attacks and arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in separate operations across Sokoto State.
The operations, conducted on September 20, 2026, targeted terrorist activities in Wurno, Sabon Birni, Isa and Illela Local Government Areas of the state.
In Wurno LGA, troops responded to a terrorist attack on Sabon Gari after gunmen invaded the community and opened sporadic fire, forcing residents to flee.
The troops engaged the attackers and compelled them to withdraw, rescuing six kidnapped victims during the operation. A civilian who sustained a gunshot wound was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
In a separate operation in Sabon Birni LGA, troops acted on intelligence indicating an attempt by terrorists to cross the Sabon Birni–Takatsaba Road through the Chabe Biyu axis.
The troops established an ambush along the terrorists’ likely route and engaged them when they appeared, forcing the attackers to flee. The troops subsequently dominated the area to prevent the terrorists from regaining freedom of movement.
Also on the same day, troops responded to reports of terrorist activity along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road in Isa LGA.
The troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them with firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray. A subsequent search of the area led to 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.
In another intelligence-led operation in Illela LGA, troops intercepted suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group allegedly moving a herd of rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela.
The troops established a snap checkpoint along the suspected route, resulting in the arrest of four suspected Lakurawa members and the recovery of six cows.
The suspects and recovered livestock remain in military custody for further investigation and appropriate action, while efforts are continuing to apprehend other members of the group who fled the area.
The Joint Task Force said the latest operations demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven and proactive measures being employed by Sector 2 troops to disrupt terrorist activities, rescue kidnapped civilians and restrict the movement of armed groups across the Joint Operations Area.
The troops, it added, remained committed to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and protecting communities within their area of responsibility.
