22 rescued as troops foil two separate kidnap attempts in Sokoto

Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma, have foiled attempted kidnappings by terrorists in Sokoto State, rescuing 22 victims in separate operations across Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas. The military said the successful operations, carried out on June 18, followed swift responses to distress calls and actionable intelligence, forcing the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee under pressure from advancing troops.

Attack on Sabon Birni-Shinkafi Road leaves one dead, 17 rescued

In a statement on Friday, the Media Information Officer of the operation, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the first incident occurred when terrorists blocked the Sabon Birni-Shinkafi Road at Kura Mota Village and attacked two civilian vehicles, abducting several passengers. One civilian was killed by the terrorists during the attack.

The first incident occurred on 18 June 2026, when troops responded to credible intelligence that terrorists had blocked the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road at Kura Mota Village and attacked two civilian vehicles, abducting several passengers. Sadly, one civilian was killed by the terrorists during the attack.

— Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer, Operation Fansan Yamma

Danja said troops immediately mobilised to the area and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance, with the prompt response and sustained pressure forcing the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee.

Acting swiftly, troops immediately mobilized to the scene and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance. The prompt response and sustained pressure mounted by the troops forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee. Consequently, 17 kidnapped passengers were successfully rescued and subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.

— Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja

Five farmers rescued after Chohi Village abduction attempt

In a separate incident at Chohi Village, armed terrorists reportedly attempted to kidnap farmers working on their farmlands. Danja said troops responded promptly after receiving a distress call and pursued the terrorists along their escape route.

In a related development, troops responded to another terrorist attack at Chohi Village on 18 June 2026, where armed terrorists attempted to abduct farmers working on their farmlands. Upon receipt of the distress call, troops rapidly deployed to the area and pursued the fleeing terrorists along their withdrawal route. The aggressive pursuit led to the successful rescue of five kidnapped farmers, who were thereafter reunited with their families.

— Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja

Following the operations, troops conducted confidence-building patrols in neighbouring communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages, to reassure residents and prevent further terrorist activities. The military spokesman said the operations reflected the determination of Operation Fansan Yamma to deny terrorists freedom of movement and ensure the safety of residents across the North-West.

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.

— Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja