TROOPS FREE 23 KIDNAP VICTIMS, CAPTURE FOUR SUSPECTED LAKURAWA MEMBERS IN SOKOTO

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 23 kidnapped civilians and arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group during separate operations across Sokoto State. The operations, carried out on Sunday, September 20, also resulted in the foiling of attempted terrorist attacks in Wurno, Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas, according to the Media Information Officer of the task force, Lt-Col. Aliyu Danja.

In Wurno Local Government Area, troops responded to an attack on Sabon Gari after terrorists invaded the community and opened sporadic fire, causing residents to flee. The soldiers engaged the attackers and forced them to withdraw from the area, rescuing six kidnapped victims during the operation. A civilian who sustained a gunshot injury was also evacuated to a medical facility for treatment following the attack.

The military also responded to intelligence about an attempted movement by terrorists along the Sabon Birni-Takatsaba Road around Chabe Biyu in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. Troops established an ambush along the suspected route and engaged the terrorists after sighting them, forcing the attackers to flee. In another operation along the Isa-Kwanar Isa-Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area, troops responded to a distress call, engaged the terrorists and subsequently rescued 17 kidnapped civilians from the area.

One of the 17 rescued victims sustained a fracture during the incident and was taken to the General Hospital in Isa for medical attention. The military said the operations were part of efforts to disrupt terrorist activities and deny armed groups freedom of movement across communities in the state. Troops continued to dominate the affected areas after the encounters to prevent the terrorists from regrouping or carrying out further attacks.

In Illela Local Government Area, troops acting on intelligence intercepted four suspected members of the Lakurawa group who were allegedly moving a herd of rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela. The soldiers established a snap checkpoint along the suspected route and arrested the four suspects, while six cows were recovered. The suspects and livestock remain in military custody for further investigation, while the task force said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the group and maintain pressure on terrorist elements in the area.