Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, 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 Sunday, were carried out across various local government areas in the state. According to the Media Information Officer of the task force, Lt-Col. Aliyu Danja, the troops responded to several distress calls, engaging terrorists and foiling their attempts to carry out attacks.
In one of the operations, troops responded to an attack on Sabon Gari in Wurno Local Government Area, engaging the terrorists and forcing them to retreat. During the operation, six kidnapped victims were rescued, and a civilian injured by gunfire was evacuated for medical treatment. The troops also conducted operations in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas, where they intercepted terrorists attempting to move through the Chabe Biyu area and along the Isa-Kwanar Isa-Shinkafi Road.
The operations in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas resulted in the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians. One of the victims, who sustained a fracture, was taken to General Hospital, Isa, for treatment. The troops engaged the terrorists in both areas, forcing them to flee and abandon their plans to carry out further attacks.
In a separate operation, troops arrested four suspected Lakurawa members who were allegedly moving rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela. The soldiers had established a checkpoint along the suspected route, leading to the arrest of the suspects and recovery of six cows. The military said the suspects and recovered livestock remain in custody as investigations continue.
The arrested suspects are believed to be members of the Lakurawa terrorist group, which has been responsible for various attacks and kidnappings in the region. The military said efforts are underway to apprehend other fleeing members of the group. The operations formed part of ongoing intelligence-led efforts to disrupt terrorist activities, rescue civilians, and protect communities across the task force’s area of responsibility.
According to Lt-Col. Aliyu Danja, the Media Information Officer of the task force, the operations demonstrate the military's commitment to protecting the region from terrorist activities. The troops' efforts have led to the rescue of 23 kidnapped civilians and the arrest of four suspected terrorists. The military continues to work to ensure the safety and security of the region.
The recent operations in Sokoto State highlight the ongoing security challenges in the region. The military's efforts to combat terrorism and banditry are ongoing, with troops working to disrupt and dismantle terrorist groups. The rescue of the 23 kidnapped civilians and the arrest of the four suspected Lakurawa members are significant achievements in this effort.
Key points
- Nigerian troops rescue 23 kidnapped civilians in Sokoto State operations.
- Four suspected Lakurawa members arrested in separate operations.
- Troops foil attempted terrorist activities in Wurno, Sabon Birni, and Isa Local Government Areas.
