Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group and rescued 23 kidnapped civilians in separate operations across Sokoto State. The operations were conducted on Sunday, September 20, and foiled terrorist attacks and movements in parts of Wurno, Sabon Birni, and Isa Local Government Areas.
In Wurno Local Government Area, troops responded to a terrorist attack on Sabon Gari, engaging the attackers and forcing them to withdraw from the area. Six kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation, while a civilian who sustained a gunshot injury was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment. The troops' swift response prevented the terrorists from establishing control over the affected areas.
In a separate operation in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, troops acted on intelligence indicating that terrorists were attempting to cross the Sabon Birni–Takatsaba Road around Chabe Biyu. The troops established an ambush along the terrorists' suspected axis of advance, engaged them immediately when they were sighted, and forced them to flee in disarray.
Troops also responded to a distress call concerning terrorist activities along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area. The troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them with firepower, forcing the attackers to withdraw. During an exploitation of the area, troops rescued 17 kidnapped civilians, one of whom sustained a fracture and was evacuated to the General Hospital, Isa, for medical attention.
In another intelligence-led operation in Illela Local Government Area, troops acted on information concerning the movement of suspected Lakurawa members allegedly driving a herd of rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela. The troops arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group and recovered six cows. The suspects and recovered livestock have been taken into military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
The military said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the group who fled during the operation. The latest operations come amid sustained military efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across Nigeria's North-West, where criminal and terrorist groups have continued to exploit remote communities and difficult terrain to launch attacks and abduct civilians.
According to Lt-Col. Aliyu Danja, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, the latest successes underscore the effectiveness of the intelligence-driven and proactive operations being conducted by troops of Sector 2. The operations aim to disrupt terrorist activities, rescue kidnapped civilians, and deny terrorists freedom of movement across the Joint Operations Area.
Key points
- Troops rescue 23 kidnapped civilians in separate operations across Sokoto State.
- Four suspected Lakurawa terrorists arrested in Illela Local Government Area.
- Operations foiled terrorist attacks and movements in parts of Wurno, Sabon Birni, and Isa Local Government Areas.
