Troops rescue 23 hostages, nab four suspected terrorists in Sokoto offensives

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Nigerian troops rescued 23 kidnapped victims, foiled terrorist attacks and arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in recent separate operations across Sokoto State.

The troops also recovered six rustled cattle in the operations conducted on September 20, 2026,

Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, media information officer of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, revealed this in a statement released on Monday.

Giving details of the operations, Danja said troops responded to distress call on terrorists’ attack call in Sabon Gari, Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto where the attackers invaded the community shooting sporadically, thus forcing the residents to flee.

However, the troops engaged the terrorists and forced them to withdraw from the area.

Six kidnapped victims were rescued in the aftermath of the gunbattle.

He added that 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 acting on intelligence ambushed terrorists who were attempting to cross the Chabe Biyu axis and engaged them in gunbattle, upon sighting them.

The attackers were forced to flee in disarray. Troops subsequently dominated the area to deny the terrorists freedom of movement.

Similarly, troops rescued 17 kidnapped victims in respose to a distress call over terrorist activities along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The kidnapped victims were rescued after the troops engaged the attackers in gun duel and forced them to withdraw.

Danja said one of the rescued victims sustained a fracture and was evacuated to the General Hospital, Isa, for medical attention.

The four suspected Lakurawa members were arrested by troops during an intelligence-driven operation in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Danja said the suspected terrorists were moving a herd of rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela when they were intercepted by troops.

Six cows were recovered during the operation.

Danja said the suspects and recovered livestock have been taken into military custody for further investigation and necessary action.

He added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the group.

The spokesperson 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.

He added that troops remain committed to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and protecting communities within the area of responsibility.