Boluwatife Olatunbosun
Sokoto: Troops Rescue 23 Kidnap Victims, Arrest Four Lakurawa Suspects
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), have rescued 23 kidnapped victims and arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group during separate operations across Sokoto State.
The operations, conducted on September 20, 2026, also saw the troops foil attempted attacks and recover six cattle suspected to have been rustled.
According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of JTF North West OPFY, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, troops responded to an attack on Sabon Gari in Wurno Local Government Area after terrorists invaded the community and opened fire, forcing residents to flee.
The troops engaged the attackers and forced them to withdraw, rescuing six kidnapped victims in the process. A civilian who sustained a gunshot injury was also evacuated to a medical facility.
Read also: Freed Borno Captives Recount Hunger, Deaths in Terrorist Camp
In Sabon Birni Local Government Area, troops also acted on intelligence about terrorists attempting to cross the Sabon Birni–Takatsaba Road around Chabe Biyu.
They laid an ambush along the terrorists’ route and engaged them when they appeared, forcing them to flee.
Another operation was carried out following a distress call about terrorist activity along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area.
The troops engaged the terrorists and forced them to retreat before rescuing 17 kidnapped civilians from the area. One of the victims, who sustained a fracture, was taken to the General Hospital, Isa, for treatment.
In Illela Local Government Area, troops also acted on intelligence about suspected Lakurawa members allegedly moving rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela.
Read also: Army Steps Up Onslaught, Kills 17 Terrorists, Arrests 85, Rescues 10
A snap checkpoint was established along the suspected route, leading to the arrest of four suspected Lakurawa members and the recovery of six cows.
The suspects and recovered livestock have been placed in military custody for further investigation, while efforts continue to arrest other fleeing members of the group.
The task force said the operations were aimed at disrupting terrorist activities, rescuing kidnapped civilians and restricting the movement of terrorist groups across its area of responsibility.