Troops of Sector 2 under Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have successfully thwarted coordinated kidnapping attempts by terrorists in Sokoto State, rescuing 22 abducted victims during separate operations carried out in Sabon Birni and Isa local government areas.
The military said the rescue missions were executed following prompt responses to intelligence reports and distress calls from affected communities, further demonstrating ongoing efforts to improve security across the North-West.
The first operation took place on June 18 after security forces received credible intelligence that terrorists had established a roadblock along the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road near Kura Mota Village.
According to military authorities, the armed attackers intercepted two commercial vehicles, abducted several passengers and killed one civilian before retreating into nearby hideouts with the victims.
Troops were immediately deployed to the area and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance.
The sustained military pressure reportedly forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee.
As a result, 17 kidnapped passengers were rescued unharmed and handed over to the appropriate authorities for further assistance and documentation.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops responded to reports of an attempted abduction in Chohi Village, located in Isa Local Government Area.
The attackers had reportedly targeted farmers working on their farmlands, attempting to force them into captivity.
Upon receiving the alert, security personnel quickly mobilised to the area and pursued the armed men along their escape routes.
The aggressive pursuit compelled the terrorists to release their captives, leading to the successful rescue of five farmers who were later reunited with their families.
Following both operations, troops conducted confidence-building patrols across neighbouring communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages.
The patrols were aimed at reassuring residents, strengthening security presence and preventing further criminal activities in the affected areas.
Commenting on the successful missions, the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the rescues reflect the military’s commitment to protecting citizens and restoring peace in the region.
“These successful rescue operations underscore the unwavering commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protecting the lives and property of the citizenry, safeguarding vulnerable communities and creating a secure environment for citizens to pursue their lawful daily activities without fear,” Danja stated.
He noted that the operations demonstrate the increasing effectiveness of intelligence-driven military actions against terrorist and bandit groups operating across the North-West.
The military further reassured residents of Sokoto State and neighbouring communities that ongoing offensives would continue until criminal networks are dismantled and lasting peace is restored.
Authorities also pledged to sustain efforts aimed at securing highways, protecting farming communities and denying terrorists freedom of movement throughout the region.
The rescue of the 22 victims adds to a growing list of successes recorded under Operation FANSAN YAMMA as security forces intensify efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities and improve safety across the North-West.
