Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 23 kidnapped victims, disrupted terrorist operations and apprehended four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group during separate operations in Sokoto State.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 21, 2026, the Joint Task Force Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the operations were conducted on September 20 at different locations across the state.
According to the statement, troops responded to an attack on Sabon Gari in Wurno Local Government Area after terrorists stormed the community and opened fire, causing residents to flee.
The troops engaged the attackers and succeeded in forcing them out of the community. Six kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation, while a civilian who sustained a gunshot injury was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
In another operation, troops received intelligence that terrorists were attempting to cross the Sabon Birni–Takatsaba Road around Chabe Biyu in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
Acting on the information, the troops deployed to the area and positioned an ambush along the terrorists’ expected route. They engaged the suspects after sighting them, forcing the terrorists to retreat in disarray. Troops subsequently maintained a strong presence in the area to restrict the terrorists’ movement.
Also on September 20, troops responded to a distress alert over terrorist activities along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area.
The troops engaged the terrorists, compelling them to retreat. A subsequent search of the area resulted in the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians.
One of the rescued victims, who suffered a fracture, was immediately taken to the General Hospital, Isa, for treatment.
In a separate intelligence-led operation, troops received information about suspected members of the Lakurawa group moving a herd of stolen cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela.
The troops quickly deployed to the area and established a temporary checkpoint along the suspected route. The operation resulted in the arrest of four suspected Lakurawa members and the recovery of six cows.
The military said the suspects and recovered livestock remain in custody while investigations continue and efforts are being made to apprehend other members of the group who fled the scene.
“The latest successes underscore the effectiveness of the intelligence-driven and proactive operations being conducted by troops of Sector 2 OPFY to disrupt terrorist activities, rescue kidnapped civilians and deny terrorists freedom of movement across the Joint Operations Area,” Danja said.
He added that the troops “remain resolute in sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and protecting communities within their area of responsibility.”
