Nigerian Military Rescues 22 Abductees, Thwarts Kidnapping Attempts in Sokoto

Troops operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have successfully rescued 22 kidnapped individuals and foiled multi-stage abduction attempts across two local government areas in Sokoto State.

According to a statement released on Saturday by Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force North West, the operations took place on June 18, 2026, following rapid responses to local distress calls and intelligence reports.

The first intervention occurred along the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road near Kura Mota Village. Armed terrorists had barricaded the highway, opening fire on two commercial vehicles and taking several passengers hostage. One civilian was killed during the initial ambush.

“Acting swiftly, troops immediately mobilised to the scene and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance,” Danja stated. The sustained ground and air pressure forced the attackers to abandon their captives and retreat into the bush, allowing troops to safely recover 17 passengers.

In a separate incident on the same day, military forces intercepted an ongoing attack at Chohi Village in the Isa Local Government Area, where terrorists were attempting to abduct farmers from their fields. Following an aggressive pursuit along the attackers’ withdrawal route, troops rescued five farmers, who have since been reunited with their families.

Following the successful operations, military units conducted confidence-building patrols through neighboring communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale, to stabilize the area and reassure local farmers and travelers.