Troops from Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 22 kidnapped civilians during two coordinated counter-terrorism operations in Sokoto State, the military confirmed yesterday.
Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force North West, disclosed that the first incident occurred on 18 June along the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road. Terrorists had blocked the route at Kura Mota Village, killing one person and abducting several passengers.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops mobilised swiftly and launched a pursuit supported by aerial surveillance. The sustained pressure forced the assailants to abandon their captives and flee, resulting in the rescue of 17 hostages, who were subsequently handed over to the relevant authorities.
In a separate development on the same day, armed terrorists attempted to abduct farmers tending their crops at Chohi Village. Upon receiving a distress call, troops deployed rapidly and traced the fleeing gunmen along their withdrawal route. The aggressive manoeuvre led to the rescue of five additional farmers, who have since been reunited with their families.
To reinforce security, Lt Col Danja noted that troops have conducted confidence-building patrols in neighbouring communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale, to reassure residents, dominate the area, and deny terrorists freedom of action.
The military reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding vulnerable communities and ensuring a secure environment for citizens to pursue their daily activities without fear.
