- Agency Report
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma (JTF NW OPFY), have on Saturday successfully rescued 22 kidnapped victims in separate operations in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Information Officer of JTF NW OPFY, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Sokoto.
Danja said the first incident occurred on June 18 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.
He said the troops acted swiftly, immediately mobilised 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.
“Sadly, one civilian was killed by the terrorists during the attack,” Danja said.
Similarly, troops responded to another terrorist attack at Chohi village on the same day, June 18, 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.
“Following the rescue operation, troops conducted confidence-building patrols in surrounding communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages, to reassure residents, dominate the area, and deny terrorists freedom of action,” Danja added.
He reiterated the military’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of the citizenry and ensuring the security of communities across the theatre of operations.
He added that 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. NAN