Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 22 people who were kidnapped in separate operations across Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.
The rescued victims comprised 17 travellers and five farmers who were abducted during attacks carried out by suspected terrorists in different communities.
The Joint Task Force’s Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed the development in a statement issued to journalists over the weekend. He explained that the rescue missions were launched after security forces received credible intelligence and distress alerts from residents.
According to Danja, the first operation took place on June 18, 2026, after troops were informed that armed terrorists had blocked the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road near Kura Mota Village. The attackers reportedly ambushed two civilian vehicles, abducting several passengers and killing one person during the assault.
Troops swiftly moved to the area and, with support from aerial surveillance, launched a coordinated pursuit of the kidnappers. The sustained military pressure forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee the scene.
As a result, 17 kidnapped passengers were rescued and handed over to the appropriate authorities for further assistance.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops responded to reports of an attempted abduction of farmers at Chohi Village. Security personnel quickly deployed to the area and pursued the attackers along their escape route.
The operation led to the successful rescue of five farmers, who were later reunited with their families.
Following the rescues, troops carried out confidence-building patrols in nearby communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages, to reassure residents and strengthen security presence in the area.
The military said the operations highlight the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protecting lives and property across the North-West. It added that troops remain focused on securing vulnerable communities and ensuring residents can go about their daily activities without fear.
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