By Joy Onu
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), have rescued 22 kidnapped victims in separate operations carried out in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, Nigeria.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, the operations were conducted on 18 June 2026 following credible intelligence on terrorist activity along key routes and farming communities.
In the first incident, troops responded to reports that armed assailants had blocked the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road at Kura Mota village, attacked two civilian vehicles, and abducted passengers. One civilian was reportedly killed during the assault.
The troops mobilised to the scene and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance. Under sustained pressure, the attackers abandoned their captives and fled the area, allowing for the rescue of 17 passengers who were later handed over to relevant authorities.
In a separate operation in Chohi village, armed men attempted to abduct farmers working on their farmlands. Acting on a distress alert, troops were quickly deployed and pursued the attackers along their withdrawal route, leading to the rescue of five farmers who were reunited with their families.
Following both operations, troops conducted confidence-building patrols in surrounding communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale, to reassure residents and reinforce security presence in the affected areas.
The military said the operations reflect the continued efforts of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA to deny criminal groups freedom of action and enhance safety across vulnerable communities in the region.
