Troops Rescue 22 Kidnap Victims, Foil Abduction Attempts in Sokoto

By: Zagazola Makama 

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

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.

Danja said the operations were part of ongoing efforts by troops to protect lives and property and deny terrorists freedom of action across the North-West theatre.

According to him, the first operation was conducted on June 18 following credible intelligence that terrorists had blocked the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road at Kura Mota Village and attacked two civilian vehicles.

He said the terrorists abducted several passengers during the attack and killed one civilian.

“Upon receipt of the information, troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance.

“The prompt response and sustained pressure mounted on the terrorists forced them to abandon their captives and flee,” he said.

Danja said the operation led to the successful rescue of 17 kidnapped passengers, who were subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for further necessary action.

The military spokesman said troops also responded to another terrorist attack at Chohi Village in Isa Local Government Area on the same day.

He explained that armed terrorists had attempted to abduct farmers working on their farmlands before troops intervened.

According to him, troops rapidly deployed to the area after receiving a distress call and pursued the terrorists along their withdrawal route.

“The aggressive pursuit by the troops resulted in the successful rescue of five kidnapped farmers, who were later reunited with their families,” he said.

Danja added that troops subsequently conducted confidence-building patrols in neighbouring communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages, to reassure residents and strengthen security presence in the area.

He said the patrols were also aimed at dominating the environment and preventing terrorists from regrouping or carrying out further attacks.

The spokesman noted that the successful operations underscored the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protecting vulnerable communities and creating a secure environment for citizens to carry out their lawful activities without fear.

He reaffirmed the determination of the Joint Task Force to sustain offensive operations against terrorist and criminal elements operating across the North-West region.