By Our Reporter
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 23 kidnapped civilians and arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in separate operations across Sokoto State.
The troops also foiled attempts by terrorists to attack communities and recovered six cows suspected to have been rustled, according to the Media Information Officer of the JTF North West, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja.
Danja said troops responded to a terrorist attack on Sabon Gari in Wurno Local Government Area on Sunday, September 20, after the assailants invaded the community and opened fire, forcing residents to flee.
According to him, the troops engaged the attackers and forced them to withdraw, rescuing six kidnapped victims in the process.
A civilian who sustained a gunshot injury during the attack was also evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
In a separate operation, troops acted on intelligence that terrorists were attempting to cross the Sabon Birni-Takatsaba Road around Chabe Biyu in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
The troops reportedly laid an ambush along the suspected route before engaging the terrorists, who fled the area under pressure from the military.
Troops also responded to a distress call concerning terrorist activities along the Isa-Kwanar Isa-Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area.
Danja said the troops engaged the terrorists and forced them to withdraw before searching the area, leading to the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians.
“One of the rescued victims, who sustained a fracture, was immediately evacuated to the General Hospital, Isa, for medical attention,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, troops acting on intelligence arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in Illela Local Government Area.
Danja said the suspects were allegedly transporting a herd of rustled cattle from Sarma village towards Illela when troops established a snap checkpoint along their suspected route.
“Four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group were arrested and six cows recovered,” he said.
The suspects and recovered livestock have been taken into military custody for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the group who fled the area.
Danja said the operations demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led and proactive military operations in disrupting terrorist activities and rescuing kidnapped civilians.
He added that troops would continue to sustain pressure on terrorist elements and protect communities within their area of responsibility.