The Nigerian military has reported a significant success in its fight against terrorism in Sokoto State. Troops from Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled multiple terrorist attacks and rescued 23 kidnapped victims. The operations, which took place on September 20, 2026, were conducted across different local government areas in Sokoto State. The military's efforts have resulted in the rescue of several civilians and the arrest of suspected terrorists.
According to a statement released by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt Col Aliyu Danja, the troops responded to a terrorist attack on Sabon Gari in Wurno Local Government Area. The terrorists had invaded the community, firing sporadically and causing civilians to flee. The troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to withdraw from the area. During the operation, six kidnapped victims were rescued, and one civilian who sustained a gunshot wound was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
In a separate operation, troops responded to intelligence indicating a terrorist attempt to cross the Sabon Birni–Takatsaba Road around Chabe Biyu in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. The troops swiftly mobilized and laid an ambush at the terrorists' axis of advance. Troops engaged the terrorists with firepower on sighting, forcing them to flee in disarray. The troops dominated the general area to deny the terrorists freedom of action.
The troops also responded to a distress call on 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 them to withdraw in disarray. The exploitation of the area led to the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians, while one of the rescued victims, who sustained a fracture, was immediately evacuated to the General Hospital, Isa, for medical attention.
In another intelligence-driven operation, troops acted on information regarding the movement of suspected Lakurawa members driving a herd of rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela. The troops swiftly mobilized to the location in Illela Local Government Area and established a snap checkpoint along the suspected movement route. The operation resulted in the arrest of four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group and the recovery of six cows.
The suspects and recovered livestock are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the group. The latest successes underscore the effectiveness of the intelligence-driven and proactive operations being conducted by troops of Sector 2 OPFY to disrupt terrorist activities, rescue kidnapped civilians, and deny terrorists freedom of movement across the Joint Operations Area.
The military has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and protecting communities within their area of responsibility. The troops remain resolute in their efforts to ensure the safety and security of civilians in Sokoto State and beyond. The operations demonstrate the military's proactive approach to addressing the security challenges in the region.
Key points
- The Nigerian military has foiled multiple terrorist attacks in Sokoto State, rescuing 23 kidnapped victims and arresting four suspected terrorists.
- The operations were conducted across different local government areas in Sokoto State on September 20, 2026.
- The military has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and protecting communities within their area of responsibility.
