Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 23 kidnapped civilians and arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group during separate operations across Sokoto State.

The operations were carried out on September 20, 2026, in Wurno, Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state. The troops also foiled attempted terrorist activities and recovered six cattle allegedly rustled by terrorists.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday.

According to the military, troops of Sector 2 responded to an attack on Sabon Gari in Wurno LGA after terrorists invaded the community and opened sporadic fire, forcing residents to flee.

The troops engaged the attackers and forced them to withdraw from the area. Six kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation, while a civilian who sustained a gunshot wound was evacuated for medical treatment.

“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,” Danja said.

Troops Rescue 17 Victims In Isa

In another operation, troops acted on intelligence about suspected terrorist movement along the Sabon Birni–Takatsaba Road around Chabe Biyu in Sabon Birni LGA.

The soldiers established an ambush along the suspected route and engaged the terrorists after sighting them, forcing the attackers to flee.

“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,” Danja stated.

Similarly, troops responded to a distress call concerning terrorist activity along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road in Isa LGA.

The troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them, forcing them to withdraw. A subsequent search of the area led to the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians.

One of the rescued victims sustained a fracture and was evacuated to General Hospital, Isa, for medical treatment.

The military said the operations were part of ongoing intelligence-led efforts to disrupt terrorist activities and rescue kidnapped civilians across the task force’s area of responsibility.

Four Lakurawa Suspects Arrested

In Illela LGA, troops also arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa group following intelligence about their movement.

Danja said the suspects were allegedly moving a herd of rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela when troops established a snap checkpoint along their suspected route.

The operation led to the arrest of the four suspects and the recovery of six cows. The suspects and livestock remain in military custody as investigations continue.

“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,” Danja said.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA is a military operation focused on tackling terrorism, kidnapping and other security threats in Nigeria’s North-West. The latest operations took place as security forces continued efforts to disrupt terrorist movements and protect vulnerable communities.

Danja said the operations demonstrated the value of intelligence-driven and proactive military action in disrupting terrorist activities and rescuing civilians.

He added that troops would continue to sustain pressure on terrorist elements and protect communities within their area of responsibility.