Trending 
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 22 kidnapped victims and thwarted separate abduction attempts in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, Nigeria.
The military, in a statement issued on Saturday, said the operations were carried out on June 18 following intelligence reports and distress calls from residents.
OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA: TROOPS FOIL TERRORIST KIDNAP ATTEMPTS, RESCUE 22 VICTIMS IN SWIFT OPERATIONS IN SOKOTO STATE
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), have successfully rescued 22 kidnapped victims in separate operations… pic.twitter.com/04jPxvtwZy
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) June 20, 2026
According to the task force’s spokesman, Aliyu Danja, the first operation was launched after terrorists reportedly blocked the Sabon Birni-Shinkafi Road near Kura Mota Village, attacked two vehicles and abducted several passengers.
Danja said one civilian lost his life during the attack before troops arrived at the scene.
Acting on the report, security forces deployed to the area and launched a coordinated pursuit operation backed by aerial surveillance.
The military said sustained pressure forced the attackers to abandon their captives and flee, leading to the rescue of 17 victims who were later handed over to the appropriate authorities.
In a separate incident on the same day, troops responded to reports that armed terrorists had attempted to kidnap farmers working on their farmlands in Chohi Village, Isa LGA.
The military said personnel were rapidly deployed to the area and pursued the attackers along their escape route, resulting in the rescue of five farmers who were subsequently reunited with their families.
Danja said troops also conducted confidence-building patrols in neighbouring communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages, to reassure residents and deter further attacks.
He said the successful operations reflected the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protecting communities, securing lives and property, and creating a safe environment for residents to carry out their daily activities.
“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,” Danja said.
Residents of the affected communities have called for a sustained military presence to consolidate the gains recorded and improve security along major roads and farming areas vulnerable to attacks.
