Soldiers rescue 22 kidnapped Passengers chase Terrorists into forest

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 22 kidnapped persons during separate counter-terrorism operations in Sokoto State after sustained military pressure forced fleeing terrorists to abandon their captives.

The victims, comprising 17 passengers and five farmers, regained their freedom during coordinated operations carried out by troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, on June 18, 2026.

Confirming the development, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the first operation followed an attack by terrorists who blocked the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road near Kura Mota Village and intercepted two civilian vehicles.

According to him, the attackers abducted several passengers and killed one civilian before troops were mobilised to the area.

“Troops immediately mobilised to the scene and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance,” Danja said.

He explained that the military’s rapid response and relentless pursuit placed the terrorists under intense pressure, forcing them to abandon their hostages.

“The swift response and sustained pressure mounted on the terrorists compelled them to abandon the kidnapped passengers and flee,” he added.

The operation led to the rescue of 17 abducted passengers, who were subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for assistance and care.

In a separate incident, troops responded to a distress call from Chohi Village in Isa Local Government Area, where armed men had attempted to abduct farmers working on their farmlands.

Danja said troops swiftly deployed to the community and tracked the assailants along their escape route.

“The aggressive pursuit led to the successful rescue of five kidnapped farmers, who were reunited with their families,” he stated.

Following the rescue missions, security forces conducted confidence-building patrols in surrounding communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale, to reassure residents and reinforce security in the affected areas.

The military spokesman said the operations demonstrate the determination of troops to deny terrorists freedom of movement and protect communities from criminal attacks.

“These successful rescue operations underscore the unwavering commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protecting lives and property, safeguarding vulnerable communities and creating a secure environment for citizens to go about their lawful activities without fear,” Danja said.