Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 22 kidnapped victims in separate counter-terrorism operations in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, thwarting attempts by terrorists to abduct civilians and farmers.
The successful operations, conducted on June 18, 2026, underscore the military’s ongoing efforts to protect lives and property and enhance security across communities in the North-West theatre.
In a statement Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja said the first operation followed credible intelligence reports that terrorists had barricaded the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road near Kura Mota Village, where they attacked two civilian vehicles and abducted several passengers. One civilian was reportedly killed during the attack.
Troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance. Sustained pressure from the security forces forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee the area.
As a result, 17 abducted passengers were rescued and handed over to the appropriate authorities for further assistance and necessary procedures.
In a separate incident on the same day, troops responded to a distress call from Chohi Village, where armed terrorists attempted to kidnap farmers working on their farmlands.
Security forces rapidly deployed to the area and pursued the attackers along their withdrawal route. The operation led to the successful rescue of five kidnapped farmers, who were subsequently reunited with their families.
Following the rescue missions, troops conducted confidence-building patrols in neighbouring communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages, to reassure residents, maintain a visible security presence and deny criminal elements freedom of movement.
Military authorities said the operations reflect the determination of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to safeguard vulnerable communities, combat terrorist activities and create a secure environment that enables residents to carry out their daily activities without fear.
