TROOPS of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 22 kidnapped victims, including 17 travellers, during separate operations conducted in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.
According to a statement made available to News Point Nigeria by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, the successful rescue missions were carried out following credible intelligence reports and distress calls from affected communities.
Danja explained that the first incident occurred on June 18, 2026, when troops received reports that terrorists had blocked the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road at Kura Mota Village and attacked two civilian vehicles, abducting several passengers.
He disclosed that one civilian lost his life during the attack.
According to the military spokesman, troops immediately mobilised to the scene and launched a coordinated pursuit operation, which was supported by aerial surveillance to track the fleeing terrorists.
He said the swift military response and sustained pressure mounted by the troops forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee the area.
As a result, 17 kidnapped passengers were successfully rescued and subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
In a related development, Danja said troops also responded to another terrorist attack at Chohi Village on the same day after receiving reports that armed terrorists had attempted to abduct farmers working on their farmlands.
He stated that troops rapidly deployed to the area and pursued the fleeing terrorists along their withdrawal route, leading to the successful rescue of five kidnapped farmers.
The rescued farmers were later reunited with their families, he added.
Following the operations, troops conducted confidence-building patrols across neighbouring communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages, to reassure residents, maintain a strong security presence, and deny terrorists freedom of movement and action within the area.
Danja said the operations underscored the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protecting lives and property, safeguarding vulnerable communities, and creating a secure environment where citizens can go about their lawful activities without fear.
He added that the successful rescue missions further demonstrated the determination of troops operating across the North-West theatre to sustain pressure on terrorist elements and ensure improved security throughout the region.