Troops Rescue 23 Hostages, Arrest 4 Suspected Lakurawa Members in Sokoto
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 23 kidnapped victims, foiled terrorist attacks and arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in separate operations across Sokoto State.
The operations, conducted on September 20, 2026, also resulted in the recovery of six rustled cattle, while troops sustained pressure on terrorists operating across the state.
In Wurno Local Government Area, troops responded swiftly to a terrorist attack on Sabon Gari, where the attackers reportedly invaded the community and opened sporadic fire, forcing residents to flee.
The troops engaged the terrorists and compelled them to withdraw from the area. Six kidnapped victims were subsequently rescued, while a civilian who sustained a gunshot injury during the attack was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
In a separate operation along the Sabon Birni–Takatsaba Road in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, troops acted on intelligence indicating that terrorists were attempting to cross the Chabe Biyu axis.
The troops established an ambush along the terrorists’ suspected route of advance and engaged them with firepower upon sighting them, forcing the attackers to flee in disarray. Troops subsequently dominated the area to deny the terrorists freedom of movement.
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Similarly, troops responding to a distress call over terrorist activities along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area made contact with the attackers and engaged them, forcing them to withdraw.
Exploitation of the area led to the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians. One of the rescued victims, who sustained a fracture, was evacuated to the General Hospital, Isa, for medical attention.
Meanwhile, troops conducting an intelligence-driven operation in Illela Local Government Area intercepted four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group allegedly moving a herd of rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela.
Acting on the intelligence, the troops established a snap checkpoint along the suspected route and arrested the four suspects. Six cows were also recovered during the operation.
The suspects and recovered livestock have been taken into military custody for further investigation and necessary action, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the group.
The Joint Task Force said the operations demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led and proactive military engagements in disrupting terrorist activities, rescuing kidnapped civilians and restricting the movement of criminal elements across the Joint Operations Area.
The troops, according to the statement issued by the JTF North West Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, remain committed to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and protecting communities within their area of responsibility.
By PRNigeria
