Nigerian troops have successfully rescued 23 kidnapped civilians and arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group during operations conducted across Sokoto State on September 20, 2026. The operations, carried out by Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, aimed to disrupt terrorist activities and rescue civilians held in captivity. The troops responded to an attack on Sabon Gari in Wurno Local Government Area, where armed men invaded the community and opened fire, forcing residents to flee.
In Wurno Local Government Area, troops engaged the attackers and compelled them to withdraw from the area, rescuing six kidnapped civilians in the process. A civilian who sustained a gunshot wound during the attack was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment. The swift response by the troops prevented further harm to the community and demonstrated their readiness to respond to intelligence on terrorist movements.
The troops also intercepted an attempted terrorist movement along the Sabon Birni–Taketsaba Road in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. Soldiers established an ambush along the suspected route and engaged the terrorists after sighting them, forcing the attackers to flee. Troops subsequently maintained a presence in the area to prevent the terrorists from regrouping and launching further attacks.
In Isa Local Government Area, troops responding to a distress call over terrorist activities along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road engaged the attackers and forced them to retreat. A subsequent search of the area resulted in the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians, taking the total number of rescued victims from the operations to 23. One of the rescued victims, who sustained a fracture, was evacuated to General Hospital, Isa, for medical attention.
An intelligence-led operation in Illela Local Government Area led to the arrest of four suspected Lakurawa members and the recovery of six cattle allegedly rustled by the group. Troops had received information that suspected members of the group were moving the cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela. Soldiers established a snap checkpoint along the suspected route and intercepted the movement.
The four suspects and the recovered livestock were taken into military custody for further investigation, while troops continued efforts to apprehend other members of the group who escaped. Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, military spokesman, said the operations reflected the sustained efforts of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, to disrupt terrorist activities and rescue civilians held in captivity.
Danja added that the troops remained committed to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and protecting communities within their area of responsibility as security forces continued offensive and intelligence-led operations across the North-West. The latest successes underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-driven and proactive operations by the troops in disrupting terrorist activities and denying them freedom of movement.
Key points
- Troops rescue 23 kidnapped civilians in separate operations across Sokoto State.
- Four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group arrested and six cattle recovered.
- Operations demonstrate the troops' readiness to respond swiftly to intelligence on terrorist movements and prevent attacks.
