Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: John . O
SOKOTO, Nigeria — June 20, 2026 — Troops of Sector 2 under the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA have successfully rescued 22 kidnapped victims during separate counter-terrorism operations in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, military authorities have announced.
The operations, carried out on June 18, highlight ongoing efforts by security forces to combat terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping activities across Nigeria’s northwestern region, where armed groups have continued to target travelers, farmers, and rural communities.
According to a statement issued on June 20 by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the first rescue mission was launched after troops received credible intelligence that terrorists had established a roadblock along the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road near Kura Mota Village.
The armed assailants reportedly intercepted two civilian vehicles traveling along the route and abducted several passengers. During the attack, one civilian was killed by the terrorists, underscoring the continuing threat posed by criminal and extremist groups operating in parts of the northwest.
Military authorities said troops responded immediately after receiving reports of the incident. Ground forces were rapidly mobilized to the area and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance assets. The combined effort enabled security personnel to track the movement of the attackers while applying sustained pressure on their escape routes.
According to the military, the swift response disrupted the terrorists’ plans and forced them to abandon their captives. As a result, 17 kidnapped passengers were rescued alive and safely recovered from the attackers. The victims were subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for further care and necessary administrative procedures.
Security officials described the operation as a demonstration of improved coordination between intelligence assets, ground troops, and aerial surveillance units deployed across the region.
In a separate but related operation on the same day, troops responded to another terrorist attack in Chohi Village within Isa Local Government Area. Armed men had reportedly targeted local farmers working on their farmlands and attempted to abduct them.
Following the distress call, troops rapidly deployed to the affected area and commenced a pursuit of the fleeing attackers. Military authorities said soldiers followed the terrorists along their withdrawal route, maintaining pressure until the abductors were forced to abandon their captives.
The operation resulted in the successful rescue of five farmers who had been kidnapped during the attack. Authorities confirmed that the victims were reunited with their families following the rescue mission.
The latest operations represent another effort by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to contain insecurity across parts of Sokoto State and neighboring areas affected by terrorist and bandit activities. Communities in several northwestern states have faced recurring security challenges in recent years, including attacks on villages, kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling, and assaults on travelers.
Stone Reporters note that security forces have increasingly relied on intelligence-driven operations and rapid-response deployments to counter the evolving tactics of armed groups operating across rural and forested regions of northwest Nigeria. The use of aerial surveillance and coordinated ground offensives has become a key component of ongoing military operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks and preventing large-scale abductions.
Following the successful rescue missions, troops conducted confidence-building patrols in nearby communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages. Military authorities said the patrols were intended to reassure residents, maintain a visible security presence, and prevent terrorists from re-establishing operational freedom within the affected areas.
Residents in many rural communities have repeatedly called for stronger security measures to protect farmers and travelers, particularly during the farming season when agricultural activities increase and expose civilians to potential attacks in remote locations.
Military officials emphasized that protecting lives and property remains a central objective of Operation FANSAN YAMMA. The operation was established as part of broader efforts to restore peace, improve security, and create conditions that allow citizens to conduct their daily activities without fear of violence or intimidation.
The successful rescue of the 22 victims has been viewed as a significant development in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts within the northwest. Security analysts have frequently noted that rapid intervention following intelligence reports can significantly reduce the likelihood of prolonged captivity and ransom negotiations, while also disrupting the operational capabilities of criminal groups.
Despite the positive outcome of the rescue operations, the killing of a civilian during the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi road attack serves as a reminder of the continuing security challenges facing communities in the region. Authorities have continued to encourage residents to provide timely information to security agencies to aid ongoing operations against terrorists and other armed groups.
As military operations continue across the northwest, security forces have reiterated their commitment to sustaining offensive actions against criminal elements while strengthening cooperation with local communities. Officials maintain that intelligence sharing, rapid deployment, and persistent patrols remain essential to defeating terrorist networks and ensuring lasting stability in affected areas.
The latest rescue missions underscore the determination of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protect vulnerable communities, secure critical routes, and deny terrorists the ability to operate freely within the region. For the 22 victims rescued from captivity, the operations have brought relief and reunification with their families, while reinforcing confidence in ongoing efforts to improve security across Sokoto State and the wider northwest.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments