Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 23 kidnapped victims and arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group during separate operations in Sokoto State.
The operations were conducted on Sunday, September 20, 2026, across Wurno, Sabon Birni, Isa and Illela Local Government Areas, according to the JTF Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.
In Wurno, troops responded to an attack on Sabon Gari after terrorists invaded the community and opened fire, forcing residents to flee. The troops engaged the attackers and drove them away, rescuing six kidnapped victims.
A civilian who sustained a gunshot injury during the attack was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
In Sabon Birni, troops acted on intelligence about an attempted movement by terrorists along the Sabon Birni–Takatsaba Road around Chabe Biyu. An ambush was established along the suspected route, forcing the terrorists to flee after troops opened fire.
Another operation was carried out along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road after troops received a distress call over terrorist activities in the area.
The troops engaged the attackers and forced them to withdraw, after which a search of the area led to the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians. One of the rescued victims, who suffered a fracture, was taken to General Hospital, Isa, for treatment.
Meanwhile, troops in Illela Local Government Area arrested four suspected Lakurawa members following intelligence about their movement while allegedly driving rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela.
A military checkpoint was established along the suspected route, leading to the arrest of the four suspects and recovery of six cows.
The suspects and recovered livestock remain in military custody for further investigation, while troops continue efforts to locate other members of the group who fled.
The military said the operations were part of ongoing intelligence-led efforts to disrupt terrorist activities, rescue kidnapped civilians and protect communities across Sokoto State.