Troops Rescue 17 Abducted Travellers, 5 Farmers in Sokoto

Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 22 kidnapped victims, including 17 travellers, in separate operations conducted in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State. According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, […]

Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 22 kidnapped victims, including 17 travellers, in separate operations conducted in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.

According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, the operations were carried out following credible intelligence and distress calls from affected communities.

He said the first incident occurred on 18 June 2026, when troops responded to reports that terrorists had blocked the Sabon Birni-Shinkafi Road at Kura Mota Village and attacked two civilian vehicles, abducting several passengers.

He added that one civilian was killed during the attack.

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Danja said troops immediately mobilised to the scene and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance.

According to him, the swift response and sustained pressure mounted by the troops forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee.

He said 17 kidnapped passengers were successfully rescued and subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.

In a related development, Danja said troops responded to another terrorist attack at Chohi Village on the same day, where armed terrorists attempted to abduct farmers working on their farmlands.

He said troops rapidly deployed to the area and pursued the fleeing terrorists along their withdrawal route, leading to the successful rescue of five kidnapped farmers, who were later reunited with their families.

Following the rescue operations, he said troops conducted confidence-building patrols in surrounding communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages, to reassure residents, dominate the area and deny terrorists freedom of action.

The military spokesman said the operations demonstrated the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protecting lives and property, safeguarding vulnerable communities and creating a secure environment for citizens to carry out their lawful activities without fear.

The statement added that the operations further reflected the determination of the troops to ensure security across the theatre of operations.