TROOPS RESCUE 23 KIDNAP VICTIMS 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 group during separate operations across Sokoto State.

The operations, conducted on Sunday, also disrupted attempted attacks in Wurno, Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas, according to the task force’s Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja.

In Wurno Local Government Area, troops responded to an attack on Sabon Gari, where armed attackers had invaded the community and opened fire, forcing residents to flee. Six kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation, while a civilian who sustained a gunshot injury was taken to a medical facility.

Troops also responded to intelligence about the movement of suspected terrorists along the Sabon Birni–Takatsaba Road around Chabe Biyu in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. The attackers reportedly fled after troops engaged them.

In Isa Local Government Area, soldiers responding to a distress call along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road engaged the attackers and subsequently rescued 17 kidnapped civilians. One of the rescued victims, who sustained a fracture, was taken to General Hospital, Isa, for treatment.

Meanwhile, troops in Illela Local Government Area arrested four suspected Lakurawa members who were allegedly moving rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela. Six cattle were recovered during the operation.

The suspects and recovered livestock remain in military custody for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the group who escaped.

Danja said the operations were part of ongoing intelligence-led efforts to disrupt terrorist activities, rescue kidnapped civilians and protect communities across the task force’s area of responsibility.