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

Army headquarters reviews troops combat readiness

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