SOKOTO, Nigeria — Nigerian troops operating under the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, rescued 23 kidnapped victims and arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group during operations across Sokoto State on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
Golden Info reports that Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma Media Information Officer, Lt-Col. Aliyu Danja, announced the development in a statement issued on Monday, September 21, 2026.
The military interventions took place across Wurno Local Government Area, Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Isa Local Government Area, and Illela Local Government Area. During the operations, troops engaged armed attackers, disrupted moving terrorist elements, and foiled multiple attack attempts.
In Wurno Local Government Area, troops from Sector 2 responded to a terrorist attack on Sabon Gari, where gunmen entered the community and fired sporadically. Troops forced the attackers to withdraw and rescued six kidnapped victims, while one injured civilian was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
In Sabon Birni Local Government Area, troops set up an ambush along the Sabon Birni–Takatsaba Road near Chabe Biyu following intelligence regarding planned terrorist movement, forcing the attackers to flee under heavy gunfire.
Along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area, troops responded to a distress call and rescued 17 kidnapped civilians after engaging armed groups, with one victim treated for a fracture at the General Hospital, Isa.
In Illela Local Government Area, troops established a snap checkpoint and intercepted four suspected members of the Lakurawa group driving six rustled cows from Sarma Village, placing the suspects and livestock into military custody.