Security forces free 22 hostages, thwart multiple kidnapping bids in Sokoto

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By Kingsley Omonobi

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Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 22 kidnapped victims in separate operations conducted in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.

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The successful operations also foiled an attempted mass abduction by terrorists, further reinforcing ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property across the region.

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The Media Information Officer of the operation, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the rescues underscore the troops’ commitment to protecting communities and maintaining security within the theatre of operations.

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According to him, the first incident occurred on June 18, 2026, when troops received credible intelligence that terrorists had blocked the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road at Kura Mota Village and attacked two civilian vehicles, abducting several passengers.

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He disclosed that one civilian was killed during the attack.

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“Acting swiftly, troops immediately mobilised to the scene and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance,” Danja said.

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“The prompt response and sustained pressure mounted by the troops forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee.”

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As a result, 17 kidnapped passengers were rescued and handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

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In a related operation on the same day, troops responded to a distress call from Chohi Village, where armed terrorists attempted to abduct farmers working on their farmlands.

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Danja said troops rapidly deployed to the area and pursued the attackers along their withdrawal route.

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“The aggressive pursuit led to the successful rescue of five kidnapped farmers, who were subsequently reunited with their families,” he stated.

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Following the rescue missions, troops conducted confidence-building patrols in nearby communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages, to reassure residents, dominate the area and deny terrorists freedom of movement.

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Danja said the operations reflected the unwavering commitment of Operation Fansan Yamma to protecting citizens, securing vulnerable communities and creating a safe environment for lawful economic and social activities.

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He added that troops would continue to sustain offensive and intelligence-driven operations aimed at neutralising terrorist threats and restoring lasting peace across the North-West.

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