Military operation thwarts abduction plot, frees 22 kidnap victims in Sokoto

The troops of Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North-West, under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have thwarted the attempts of terrorists to carry out kidnap missions in Sokoto State and saved 22 people who were held hostage in two different missions.

The successful mission, which was executed in Sabon Birni and Isa local government areas, took place after the timely intervention of the military following reports and alerts from the affected communities, according to military officials.

On the first mission carried out on June 18, the troops acted on credible information that some terrorists had placed a roadblock along the Sabon Birni-Shinkafi Road in Kura Mota Village where they attacked two commercial vehicles and kidnapped some passengers.

The group of terrorists allegedly killed one person during the mission before fleeing with their hostages into hideouts.

The military officials said that the troops were immediately deployed to the area, where they undertook a joint pursuit mission assisted with aerial assets.
Pressure from the security agents made the terrorists abandon their hostages and flee.

The result of this mission was the rescue of 17 people who were kidnapped without being harmed.

In a related operation on the same day, troops responded to reports of another terrorist attack at Chohi Village in Isa Local Government Area, where armed bandits attempted to abduct farmers working on their farmlands.

Upon receiving the distress call, troops rapidly deployed to the community and pursued the attackers along their escape route.

The aggressive pursuit compelled the terrorists to release their captives, leading to the successful rescue of five farmers who were subsequently reunited with their families.

Following the operations, troops carried out confidence-building patrols across neighbouring communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages, to reassure residents, strengthen security presence and prevent further terrorist activities in the area.

Speaking on the operations, the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the successes reflected the military’s determination to safeguard communities and deny criminal elements freedom of action.

“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,” Danja stated.

The latest 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 military has assured residents of Sokoto and neighbouring states of its resolve to sustain ongoing operations aimed at dismantling criminal enclaves, securing farmlands and highways, and restoring lasting peace across the region.

The latest rescue of 22 victims adds to a series of recent successes recorded under Operation FANSAN YAMMA as security forces continue to tighten the noose on terrorist groups operating in the North-West.