Troops rescue 22 kidnap victims, foil abduction attempts in Sokoto

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Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 22 kidnapped victims and foiled separate abduction attempts in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.

The military disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, noting that the operations were carried out on June 18, 2026, following intelligence reports and distress calls from affected communities.

According to the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, the first incident occurred along the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road at Kura Mota Village, where terrorists reportedly blocked the highway, attacked two civilian vehicles and abducted several passengers.

Danja said one civilian was killed during the attack before troops arrived and intervened.

“Acting swiftly, troops immediately mobilised to the scene and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance,” he said.

He added that sustained pressure from the troops forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee.

“Consequently, 17 kidnapped passengers were successfully rescued and subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary action,” he stated.

In a separate operation on the same day, troops responded to a distress call from Chohi Village in Isa LGA, where armed terrorists attempted to abduct farmers working on their farmlands.

Danja said troops rapidly deployed to the area and pursued the attackers along their withdrawal route.

“The aggressive pursuit led to the successful rescue of five kidnapped farmers, who were thereafter reunited with their families,” he said.

The military spokesman noted that troops also conducted confidence-building patrols in nearby communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages, to reassure residents and prevent further attacks.

He said the operations reflected the determination of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to secure lives and property in the North-West region.

“These successful rescue operations underscore the unwavering commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protecting the lives and property of the citizenry, safeguarding vulnerable communities and creating a secure environment for citizens to pursue their lawful daily activities without fear,” Danja said.

Residents of the affected areas have called for sustained military presence to consolidate gains and improve security along roads and farming communities prone to attacks.