Troops rescue 23 kidnap victims, arrest four suspected terrorists in Sokoto

Troops from the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, rescued 23 kidnapped victims and arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in different operations across Sokoto State.

These operations happened on Sunday. The troops also stopped attempted attacks in Wurno, Sabon Birni, and Isa Local Government Areas.

Lt-Col. Aliyu Danja, the Media Information Officer of JTF North-West, shared this news in a statement on Monday.

Danja explained that the troops of Sector 2 reacted to a terrorist attack in Sabon Gari, Wurno LGA. Terrorists invaded the area and started shooting, making residents run for safety.

The troops fought back and pushed the attackers away. They rescued six kidnapped victims during this operation. "During the operation, troops rescued six kidnapped victims. One civilian who was shot during the attack was taken to a medical facility for treatment," he said.

He added that the troops acted on intelligence about terrorists trying to move along the Sabon Birni, Takatsaba Road, near Chabe Biyu in Sabon Birni LGA. The troops set up an ambush along the likely path of the terrorists and engaged them when they showed up.

"Troops engaged the terrorists with firepower on sighting, forcing them to flee in disarray. Troops dominate the general area to deny the terrorists freedom of action," Danja stated.

In another operation, troops rescued 17 kidnapped civilians after responding to a distress call about terrorist activities along the Isa, Kwanar Isa, Shinkafi Road in Isa LGA. They came into contact with the terrorists and forced them to retreat.

"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," he said.

Danja mentioned that troops also arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in Illela LGA. This was after they got intelligence about the suspects moving while allegedly driving a herd of stolen cattle from Sarma Village to Illela.

The troops set up a snap checkpoint along the suspected route. This led to the arrest of the four suspects 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," he said.

The JTF spokesman noted that these recent operations show how effective intelligence-driven military actions can be in stopping terrorist activities and rescuing kidnapped civilians. He added that the troops will keep putting pressure on terrorist groups and protect communities within their area.