Sector 2 troops of the Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma have freed 22 civilians kidnapped in two separate incidents across Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.

The rescue operations were carried out on June 18, 2026, according to Lt. Col. Aliyu Danjan, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force. He said the missions reflect the military’s focus on securing communities and restoring normalcy in the North West.

Danjan explained that the first case happened along the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road at Kura Mota Village, where gunmen ambushed two vehicles. One person died in the attack while several passengers were taken away. Acting on credible information, troops moved in with air support, pursued the assailants, and kept up pressure until they dropped the captives and fled. Seventeen of the abducted persons were recovered and passed to authorities for further action.

Hours later, soldiers responded to a distress signal from Chohi Village in Isa LGA after armed men tried to seize farmers on their fields. Troops chased the attackers along their escape route and forced them to release five farmers, who were later handed back to their families.

After the operations, soldiers carried out reassurance patrols in Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale communities. Danjan said the patrols were aimed at calming residents, maintaining military presence, and restricting bandit movement in the area.

He added that the rescues show Operation Fansan Yamma’s resolve to protect civilians, shield vulnerable settlements, and ensure people can go about their daily work without intimidation.