RismadarVoice Reporters, June 20, 2026
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 22 kidnapped victims in separate operations in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State following swift responses to terrorist attacks.
The operations, carried out on June 18, 2026, led to the rescue of 17 passengers abducted along the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road and five farmers kidnapped from their farmlands in Chohi Village.
According to the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops acted on credible intelligence that armed terrorists had blocked the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road at Kura Mota Village, attacked two civilian vehicles and abducted several passengers.
He disclosed that one civilian was killed during the attack before security forces arrived at the scene.
Danja said troops immediately launched a coordinated pursuit operation, supported by aerial surveillance, forcing the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee.
“The prompt response and sustained pressure mounted by the troops compelled the terrorists to release the victims and escape,” he said.
The rescued passengers were subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops responded to a distress call from Chohi Village, where terrorists had attempted to abduct farmers working on their farmlands.
Security forces swiftly deployed to the area and pursued the attackers along their withdrawal route, resulting in the successful rescue of five kidnapped farmers.
The victims were later reunited with their families.
Following the operations, troops conducted confidence-building patrols in nearby communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages, to reassure residents and prevent further terrorist activities.
Military authorities said the successful rescues reflect the ongoing efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to combat insecurity, protect vulnerable communities and create a safe environment for residents across the North-West region.
The Joint Task Force reiterated its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and ensuring the safety of citizens within its area of responsibility.
