Bandits Flee as Troops Rescue 17 Passengers, 5 Farmers in Sokoto Raids

Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have successfully rescued 22 kidnapped victims in two separate security operations in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, dealing a significant blow to terrorist networks operating in the region. The rescue missions, conducted on June 18, 2026, followed intelligence reports and distress calls from communities under attack by armed terrorists, according to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja. The successful 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 first operation unfolded after troops received credible intelligence that terrorists had blocked the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road at Kura Mota Village and attacked two civilian vehicles, abducting several passengers. The attackers reportedly killed one civilian during the assault before fleeing with their captives into nearby hideouts. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops immediately mobilised to the area and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance. The sustained pressure mounted by the security forces compelled the terrorists to abandon their captives and retreat, resulting in the successful rescue of 17 kidnapped passengers, who were subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.

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In a related development on the same day, troops responded to a distress call from Chohi Village in Isa Local Government Area, where armed terrorists had attempted to abduct farmers working on their farmlands. Security personnel rapidly deployed to the area and pursued the fleeing terrorists along their withdrawal route, leading to the successful rescue of five kidnapped farmers. The rescued farmers were subsequently reunited with their families, bringing relief to the community that had been thrown into panic by the brazen attack.

Following the successful rescue operations, troops conducted confidence-building patrols in neighbouring communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages, to reassure residents, strengthen security presence, and prevent criminal elements from operating freely within the affected areas. The patrols formed part of ongoing efforts to dominate the area and deny terrorists freedom of action, as security forces continue to consolidate their gains in the region.

Commenting on the operations, Lieutenant Colonel Danja said the successes reflected the determination of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protect communities and deny terrorists freedom of action. He stated that 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. The military reiterated its resolve to sustain offensive and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace across communities in the North-West region. Residents of affected communities have, however, called for a sustained military presence to strengthen security along major roads and farming communities vulnerable to attacks, as the latest rescue of 22 victims adds to a series of recent successes recorded under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, with security forces continuing to tighten the noose on terrorist groups operating in the North-West.

Bandits Flee as Troops Rescue 17 Passengers, 5 Farmers in Sokoto Raids

VIDEO: Drama as Ekiti Voters Chase EFCC Operatives Out of Polling Unit

There was mild drama at Polling Unit 10, Ward B, in Iyin-Ekiti on Saturday when some voters confronted operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and demanded their exit from the polling centre during the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election.

The incident occurred while voting was in progress, briefly creating tension at the polling unit before normalcy was restored.

According to eyewitnesses, the EFCC officials had arrived at the polling centre as part of the agency’s efforts to monitor and curb vote-buying, a major electoral offence that has continued to attract the attention of anti-corruption and security agencies during elections across Nigeria.

However, their presence was met with resistance from some voters, who questioned the reason for deploying anti-graft operatives directly to the polling unit.

The voters reportedly argued that there was no evidence of vote-buying at the centre and insisted that the EFCC officials leave the area. Videos circulating on social media showed residents confronting the operatives and escorting them away from the polling unit.

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Despite the brief confrontation, the situation did not escalate into violence, and the electoral process continued peacefully after the officials withdrew from the area.

The incident comes amid heightened efforts by the EFCC and other security agencies to combat electoral malpractice, including vote-buying, voter inducement and other offences capable of undermining the credibility of elections.

Ahead of the poll, security agencies deployed personnel across strategic locations in Ekiti State to ensure a peaceful and transparent election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had also assured voters of adequate arrangements to guarantee a free, fair and credible process.

Some voters at the polling unit expressed support for efforts to prevent vote-buying but maintained that law enforcement agencies must carry out their duties without creating fear or giving the impression of interference in the voting process.

Others argued that the presence of security and anti-corruption agencies is necessary to deter electoral offenders and preserve the integrity of the election.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the EFCC nor INEC had issued an official statement regarding the incident.

Meanwhile, voting and accreditation continued in many parts of the state without major disruptions, with voters turning out to participate in the closely watched Ekiti governorship election.

Political parties and election observers have continued to monitor developments across the state as the contest enters a crucial stage, with the outcome expected to shape Ekiti’s political landscape for the next four years.

VIDEO: Drama as Ekiti Voters Chase EFCC Operatives Out of Polling Unit

Oba of Benin Summons Native Doctors, Priests Over Rising Kidnapping in Edo

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has summoned native doctors, traditional priests, and priestesses to an emergency meeting as part of renewed efforts to confront rising kidnapping and cult-related violence in Edo State.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday by Chief Victor Nosakhare on behalf of the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor.

According to the statement, the emergency meeting will hold at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City at 12 noon on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. The palace stressed that the gathering is being convened under the authority of Oba Ewuare II and must be given top priority by all invited stakeholders.

The Benin Traditional Council explained that the purpose of the meeting is to examine how traditional institutions, spiritual leaders, and indigenous practices can support ongoing government efforts to address insecurity in Edo State, where incidents of kidnapping, cult clashes, and other violent crimes have continued to raise concern among residents and authorities.

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The council noted that the increasing wave of insecurity has made it necessary to explore complementary approaches that combine both formal security measures and traditional systems of authority in order to strengthen peace and stability at the community level.

In a related development, the Benin Traditional Council will also hold a separate meeting with youth leaders, popularly known as Okaighele, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the same venue and time.

The back-to-back engagements highlight the Oba’s growing reliance on both spiritual custodians and youth leadership structures in addressing security challenges within the Benin Kingdom and surrounding communities.

The move reflects the increasing involvement of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s broader security architecture, particularly in regions where community-based structures play a significant role in intelligence gathering, conflict resolution, and local enforcement support.

Edo State has continued to experience incidents of kidnapping, highway abductions, and violent cult clashes in recent years, prompting calls for stronger coordination between government, security agencies, and community leaders.

Stakeholders believe that combining formal policing strategies with traditional authority systems may help improve surveillance, intelligence sharing, and conflict prevention at the community level.

The Oba of Benin’s intervention is widely viewed as part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and reinforce cultural authority in addressing insecurity across the state.

Oba of Benin Summons Native Doctors, Priests Over Rising Kidnapping in Edo