TROOPS FOIL TERRORIST ATTACKS, RESCUE 23 KIDNAPPED VICTIMS, ARREST SUSPECTED LAKURAWA MEMBERS IN SOKOTO STATE.
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), recorded significant operational successes during separate operations across Sokoto State, rescuing 23 kidnapped victims, foiling terrorist attacks and arresting four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group.
On 20 September 2026, troops of Sector 2 swiftly responded to a terrorist attack on Sabon Gari in Wurno Local Government Area, where the terrorists had invaded the community and fired sporadically, causing civilians to flee. The troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to withdraw from the area. During the operation, troops rescued six kidnapped victims. One civilian who sustained a gunshot wound during the attack was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
In a separate operation the same day, troops responded to intelligence indicating terrorists attempt to cross the Sabon Birni–Takatsaba Road around Chabe Biyu in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. Troops swiftly mobilised and laid ambush at the terrorists’ axis of advance. Troops engaged the terrorists with firepower on sighting, forcing them to flee in disarray. Troops dominate the general area in order to deny the terrorists freedom of action.
Similarly, on 20 September 2026, troops of Sector 2 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. Exploitation of the area led to the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians. 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 mobilised to the location in Illela Local Government Area and established a snap check point 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, while 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 troops remain resolute in sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and protecting communities within their area of responsibility.
