Troops crush kidnap plot in Sokoto, rescue 22 victims

By Musa Ubandawaki

Troops of Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled coordinated kidnapping attempts by terrorists in Sokoto State and rescued 22 abducted persons in separate operations, reinforcing ongoing military efforts to restore security across the North-West region.

The successful rescue missions, carried out in Sabon Birni and Isa local government areas, followed swift military responses to intelligence reports and distress calls from affected communities, according to the military.

In the first operation, conducted on June 18, troops responded to credible intelligence indicating that armed terrorists had mounted a roadblock along the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road at Kura Mota Village, where they attacked two commercial vehicles and abducted several passengers.

The attackers reportedly killed one civilian during the incident before fleeing with their captives into nearby hideouts.

Military authorities said troops immediately mobilised to the area and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance assets.
The sustained pressure mounted by the security forces forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and retreat.

As a result, 17 kidnapped passengers were rescued unharmed and handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

In a related operation on the same day, troops responded to reports of another terrorist attack at Chohi Village in Isa Local Government Area, where armed bandits attempted to abduct farmers working on their farmlands.

Upon receiving the distress call, troops rapidly deployed to the community and pursued the attackers along their escape route.

The aggressive pursuit compelled the terrorists to release their captives, leading to the successful rescue of five farmers who were subsequently reunited with their families.

Following the operations, troops carried out confidence-building patrols across neighbouring communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages, to reassure residents, strengthen security presence and prevent further terrorist activities in the area.

Speaking on the operations, the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the successes reflected the military’s determination to safeguard communities and deny criminal elements freedom of action.

“These successful rescue operations underscore the unwavering commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protecting the lives and property of the citizenry, safeguarding vulnerable communities and creating a secure environment for citizens to pursue their lawful daily activities without fear,” Danja stated.

The latest operations highlight the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led military actions in the North-West, where security forces have intensified offensives against terrorist and bandit networks threatening rural communities and major transportation routes.

The military has assured residents of Sokoto and neighbouring states of its resolve to sustain ongoing operations aimed at dismantling criminal enclaves, securing farmlands and highways, and restoring lasting peace across the region.

The latest rescue of 22 victims adds to a series of recent successes recorded under Operation FANSAN YAMMA as security forces continue to tighten the noose on terrorist groups operating in the North-West.

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