Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), have rescued 22 kidnap victims in two coordinated operations across Sokoto State after mounting rapid-response missions that forced fleeing terrorists to abandon their captives.
The operations, carried out in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas, underscore the military’s sustained push to contain terrorist activities and restore confidence among residents in vulnerable communities.
According to a statement issued by ALIYU DANJA, Lieutenant Colonel and Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the first rescue operation followed a terrorist attack on 18 June 2026 along the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road at Kura Mota Village.
The terrorists reportedly blocked the highway, attacked two civilian vehicles and abducted several passengers. One civilian was killed during the assault.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops swiftly mobilised to the area and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance.
Military authorities said sustained pressure from the advancing troops forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and retreat, leading to the successful rescue of 17 abducted passengers.
The rescued victims were later handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
In a separate but related operation on the same day, troops responded to another terrorist attack at Chohi Village, where armed terrorists attempted to abduct farmers working on their farmlands.
Following a distress call, troops rapidly deployed and pursued the attackers along their withdrawal route, resulting in the rescue of five kidnapped farmers who were subsequently reunited with their families.
The military said troops also carried out confidence-building patrols across nearby communities including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages to reassure residents, strengthen security presence and deny terrorists freedom of movement.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA stated that the latest rescues reflect its continued commitment to protecting lives and property, securing vulnerable communities and enabling citizens to carry out lawful activities without fear.
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