Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), have conducted successful operations in Sokoto state, rescuing 23 kidnapped civilians and arresting four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group. The operations, which took place on September 20 and 22, 2026, also resulted in the recovery of six cows suspected to have been rustled. According to Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of the JTF North West, the troops responded to terrorist attacks and foiled attempts by assailants to attack communities.
On September 20, 2026, troops responded to a terrorist attack on Sabon Gari in Wurno Local Government Area. The assailants invaded the community, opened fire, and forced residents to flee. The troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to withdraw from the area, and rescued six kidnapped victims. A civilian who sustained a gunshot wound during the attack was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment. The swift response by the troops likely prevented further harm to the community.
The same day, troops responded to intelligence that terrorists were attempting to cross the Sabon Birni-Takatsaba Road around Chabe Biyu in Sabon Birni local government area. The troops mobilized and laid an ambush along the terrorists' suspected axis of advance, engaging them with firepower. The terrorists fled in disarray, and the troops continued to dominate the area to deny them freedom of action. This proactive operation likely disrupted terrorist plans to attack nearby communities.
Troops also responded to a distress call over terrorist activities along the Isa-Kwanar Isa-Shinkafi road in Isa local government area on September 20, 2026. The troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them, forcing them to withdraw. An area search resulted in the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians. One of the rescued victims, who sustained a fracture, was immediately evacuated to the General Hospital, Isa, for medical attention. The rescue of these victims highlights the troops' commitment to protecting civilians.
Acting on intelligence, troops arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in Illela local government area. The suspects were allegedly moving a herd of rustled cattle from Sarma village towards Illela when troops established a snap checkpoint along their suspected route. The four suspects and six recovered cows were taken into military custody for further investigation. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the group.
The latest operations demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-driven and proactive operations by Sector 2 troops in disrupting terrorist activities and rescuing kidnapped civilians. Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja stated that the troops remained committed to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and protecting communities across their area of responsibility. The successful operations are a testament to the troops' dedication to maintaining security in the region.
The Joint Task Force North West will likely continue to conduct operations to counter terrorist activities in Sokoto state. The arrest of the four Lakurawa suspects and the rescue of 23 kidnapped civilians are significant achievements in the fight against terrorism. The troops' efforts to protect communities and disrupt terrorist plans will likely continue to yield positive results in the coming days.
Key points
- 23 kidnapped civilians were rescued in separate operations across Sokoto state.
- 4 suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group were arrested in Illela local government area.
- The troops recovered 6 cows suspected to have been rustled by the terrorists.
