Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 22 kidnap victims and thwarted separate abduction attempts in Sokoto State following coordinated operations in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas.
The military said the operations, carried out on June 18, followed intelligence reports and distress calls from residents of affected communities.
In one of the operations, terrorists reportedly blocked the Sabon Birni-Shinkafi Road near Kura Mota Village, attacked two civilian vehicles and abducted several passengers.
According to the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, one person was killed during the attack before troops arrived at the scene.
“Acting swiftly, troops immediately mobilised to the scene and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance,” Danja said.
He explained that sustained pressure from the troops forced the attackers to abandon their captives and flee the area.
“Consequently, 17 kidnapped passengers were successfully rescued and subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary action,” he stated.
In a separate incident in Chohi Village, Isa Local Government Area, armed men attempted to abduct farmers working on their farmlands. Troops responded to a distress call and pursued the attackers as they retreated.
“The aggressive pursuit led to the successful rescue of five kidnapped farmers, who were thereafter reunited with their families,” Danja said.
The military spokesman added that troops conducted confidence-building patrols in Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages to reassure residents and strengthen security in the area.
“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,” he said.
Residents of the affected communities have called for a sustained military presence to consolidate the gains recorded and improve security along vulnerable highways and farming settlements.
