Military says swift response and aerial support forced terrorists to abandon captives during coordinated rescue missions in Sabon Birni and Isa LGAs
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 22 kidnapped victims during separate operations in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.
The rescue operations followed attacks by armed terrorists on civilians along the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road and in Chohi Village.
According to the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops responded to intelligence reports on June 18, 2026, after terrorists attacked two vehicles at Kura Mota Village and abducted several passengers.
He said one civilian was killed during the attack, but troops quickly mobilised and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance.
The military said the pressure mounted on the terrorists forced them to abandon their captives and escape, leading to the rescue of 17 passengers who were handed over to relevant authorities.
In a separate operation at Chohi Village, troops rescued five farmers who were attacked while working on their farmlands.
The statement added that troops also carried out patrols in nearby communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages, to reassure residents and prevent further terrorist activities.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives, securing communities and restoring peace across the North-West region.