The rescued victims
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), have rescued 23 kidnapped victims, foiled terrorist attacks and arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group during separate operations across Sokoto State.
Media Information Officer, JTF North West, OPFY, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, confirmed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday.
Lt. Col. Danja said: “On 20 September 2026, troops responded to a terrorist attack on Sabon Gari in Wurno Local Government Area, engaging the attackers and forcing them to withdraw.
He said 6 kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation, while a civilian who sustained a gunshot injury was evacuated to a medical facility.
According to him, in another operation along the Sabon Birni–Takatsaba Road in Sabon Birni LGA, troops acted on intelligence about terrorists attempting to cross the Chabe Biyu axis and laid an ambush, forcing the terrorists to flee. Troops subsequently dominated the area to deny the attackers freedom of movement.
“Similarly, troops responding to a distress call along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road in Isa LGA engaged terrorists and forced them to withdraw, leading to the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians.
“One rescued victim, who sustained a fracture, was evacuated to General Hospital, Isa, for treatment.
He said in a separate intelligence-driven operation in Illela LGA, troops intercepted four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group allegedly moving rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela.
Lt. Col. Danja noted that 6 cows were recovered, while the suspects were taken into military custody for further investigation.
He stressed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the group.
