By Ade Oyeyemi
Troops of the 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 operations, conducted on Sunday, also disrupted attempted attacks by terrorists in Wurno, Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of the state.
The Media Information Officer of the JTF North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt-Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.
Danja said troops of Sector 2 responded to an attack on Sabon Gari in Wurno LGA after terrorists invaded the community and opened fire, forcing residents to flee.
He said the troops engaged the attackers and compelled them to retreat, while six kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation.
“During the operation, troops rescued six kidnapped victims. One civilian who sustained a gunshot wound during the attack was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment,” Danja said.
He added that troops also acted on intelligence concerning an attempted terrorist movement along the Sabon Birni-Takatsaba Road around Chabe Biyu in Sabon Birni LGA.
According to him, the troops established an ambush along the suspected route and engaged the terrorists when they appeared, forcing them to flee.
“Troops engaged the terrorists with firepower on sighting, forcing them to flee in disarray. Troops dominate the general area in order to deny the terrorists freedom of action,” he stated.
Danja further disclosed that troops rescued another 17 kidnapped civilians following a distress call about terrorist activities along the Isa-Kwanar Isa-Shinkafi Road in Isa LGA.
He said the troops engaged the terrorists after making contact with them, forcing the attackers to withdraw from the area.
“Exploitation of the area led 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,” he said.
The JTF spokesman also said troops arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa group in Illela LGA following intelligence about their movement.
He said the suspects were allegedly transporting a herd of rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela when troops mounted a snap checkpoint along the suspected route.
According to Danja, the operation led to the arrest of the four suspects and the recovery of six cows.
“The suspects and recovered livestock are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the group,” he said.
Danja said the operations underscored the importance of intelligence-led and proactive military action in disrupting terrorist activities and rescuing kidnapped civilians.
He assured that troops would continue to sustain operations against terrorist elements and protect communities within their area of responsibility.
