Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 22 kidnapped victims and foiled separate abduction attempts in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.
The military said the successful operations were carried out on June 18, 2026, following intelligence reports and distress calls from residents of the affected communities.
The development comes as security forces continue to intensify efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes that have plagued many parts of Nigeria’s North-West region.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the first operation took place along the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road at Kura Mota Village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
According to him, heavily armed terrorists had reportedly blocked the highway and attacked two civilian vehicles travelling through the area.
The attackers were said to have forcefully taken away several passengers after intercepting the vehicles.
Danja disclosed that one civilian lost his life during the attack before security operatives arrived at the scene.
He said troops acted swiftly upon receiving information about the incident.
“Acting swiftly, troops immediately mobilised to the scene and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance,” he said.
The military spokesman explained that the combined land and air operation placed significant pressure on the fleeing terrorists, forcing them to abandon their captives.
According to him, the kidnappers fled into surrounding areas to avoid being confronted by the advancing troops.
“Consequently, 17 kidnapped passengers were successfully rescued and subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary action,” Danja stated.
The rescued victims were later evacuated from the scene and provided with the necessary support before being reunited with relevant authorities.
Although the identities of the victims were not disclosed, the military said the operation prevented what could have become a prolonged kidnapping ordeal.
Kidnapping for ransom has become one of the major security concerns in parts of Sokoto State and the wider North-West region.
Armed groups frequently target travellers on highways, rural communities and farming settlements, demanding huge sums of money from victims’ families before securing their release.
The Sabon Birni–Shinkafi axis has witnessed repeated attacks over the years because of its proximity to forests and remote areas often exploited by criminal gangs.
In a separate operation conducted on the same day, troops responded to another emergency call from Chohi Village in Isa Local Government Area.
According to Danja, armed terrorists had invaded the community and attempted to abduct farmers working on their farmlands.
The military said the quick response of troops prevented the attackers from succeeding in their mission.
Danja explained that soldiers immediately moved to the area and pursued the gunmen along their escape route.
“The aggressive pursuit led to the successful rescue of five kidnapped farmers, who were thereafter reunited with their families,” he said.
Residents of Chohi Village reportedly expressed relief and gratitude over the intervention, which ensured the safe return of the victims.
Farming remains the major occupation in many rural communities across Sokoto State.
However, insecurity has disrupted agricultural activities in several areas, with many farmers abandoning their farmlands for fear of attacks.
The continued targeting of farmers has raised concerns about food security and livelihoods, particularly in communities heavily dependent on agriculture.
Beyond the rescue missions, the military said troops also embarked on confidence-building patrols in neighbouring communities.
The patrols covered areas such as Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages, where residents have also faced security threats in recent months.
According to the military, the patrols were aimed at reassuring residents, strengthening public confidence and discouraging further attacks by criminal elements.
Danja said the operations demonstrate the determination of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to restore peace and stability across the North-West.
“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.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA is one of the military operations established to tackle insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West zone, where banditry and kidnapping have become widespread.
The operation involves coordinated efforts by various security agencies aimed at dismantling criminal networks, denying terrorists freedom of movement and protecting communities under threat.
In recent months, troops have intensified offensives against criminal hideouts, conducted clearance operations and responded to distress calls from residents.
Despite these efforts, attacks on villages, highways and farms continue to pose significant challenges to security agencies.
Local residents also believe that maintaining a visible security presence is essential to preventing criminals from regrouping after military operations.
Following the latest rescue operations, residents of the affected areas called on the authorities to sustain the momentum by increasing patrols and deploying more personnel to vulnerable communities.
Many travellers who regularly use the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road have also appealed for enhanced security measures along the route to reduce the risk of future attacks.
For families of the rescued victims, the successful operations brought relief after what could have ended in tragedy.
The rescue of 22 abducted persons within a single day has also offered hope to communities living under constant fear of criminal attacks.
While acknowledging that security challenges remain, residents say continued military interventions and prompt responses to distress calls will go a long way in restoring confidence and allowing people to return to their normal lives without fear.