RismadarVoice Reporters
September 14, 2026
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled a terrorist attack in Sokoto State, rescued two kidnapped victims and arrested a suspected illicit drug dealer in separate operations across Kaduna and Sokoto states.
The operations were conducted on September 12 and 13, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt terrorist and criminal activities across the North-West.
The JTF’s Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed the operations in a statement issued on Monday.
In Kaduna State, troops of Sector 1 intercepted a man identified as Yohana Musa during a stop-and-search operation along the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road on September 12.
According to Danja, the suspect was travelling towards Birnin Gwari when troops stopped and searched him.
A large quantity of suspected illicit drugs and other substances was reportedly recovered from his possession.
The suspect and the seized items have been taken into military custody for further investigation, according to the JTF.
In Sokoto State, troops of Sector 2 responded to a distress call following an attack by suspected terrorists on Unguwan Lalle in Sabon Birni Local Government Area on September 13.
The troops engaged the attackers and forced them to withdraw from the area, rescuing two kidnapped victims during the operation.
Danja said the troops later received intelligence that the terrorists were attempting to regroup.
The soldiers immediately mobilised to the reported location, where they re-established contact with the attackers and engaged them in a gun battle.
The terrorists were again forced to withdraw, according to the JTF.
During a subsequent search of the area, troops recovered 157 rounds of PKT ammunition, phone batteries and other items believed to be linked to the activities of the criminal group.
The military said the operation was part of broader efforts to deny terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of movement and operational space within the North-West.
Danja said the Theatre Commander commended the troops for what he described as their gallantry and professionalism in carrying out the operations.
He added that the commander remained committed to sustaining pressure on terrorists and other criminal groups operating across the Joint Operations Area.
The JTF also appealed to residents in affected communities to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence that could assist troops in identifying terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements.
The military said such information remained critical to preventing attacks, rescuing victims and disrupting the activities of armed groups across the region.