Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) have foiled attacks by terrorists in parts of Sokoto State and rescued 23 kidnapped civilians during separate operations.
The troops also arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group and recovered six cows believed to have been rustled.
The Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
Danja said troops of Sector 2 responded to a terrorist attack on Sabon Gari community in Wurno Local Government Area on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
He said the terrorists invaded the community and opened fire, forcing residents to flee.
“The troops engaged the attackers and forced them to retreat. During the operation, six kidnapped victims were rescued. A civilian who sustained a gunshot wound was also evacuated to a medical facility for treatment,” he said.
In another operation along the Sabon Birni–Takatsaba Road in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, troops acted on intelligence about terrorists attempting to cross the road around Chabe Biyu.
He said the troops moved into the area and laid an ambush along the terrorists’ expected route.
The troops engaged the terrorists when they arrived, forcing them to flee.
Danja said troops remained in the area to prevent the terrorists from returning and carrying out further attacks.
“The troops responded to a distress call concerning terrorist activities along the Isa-Kwanar Isa-Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area. They engaged the terrorists and forced them to withdraw before searching the area and rescuing 17 kidnapped civilians,” he said.
One of the rescued victims, who sustained a fracture, was taken to General Hospital, Isa, for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, Danja said troops in Illela Local Government Area arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group after receiving intelligence about their movement.
He said the suspects were allegedly driving a herd of rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela.
Troops subsequently established a checkpoint along the suspected route and arrested the four suspects, recovering six cows.
Danja said the suspects and recovered livestock remained in military custody for further investigation, while efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the group who escaped.
Sokoto: Troops foil terrorists’ ambush, free 23 kidnap victims