Troops
Troops operating under Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), have recorded multiple major operational victories across Sokoto State, rescuing 23 abducted civilians, thwarting terrorist attacks, and arresting four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group.
The series of intelligence-led operations, conducted primarily on September 20, 2026, targeted terrorist enclaves and transit corridors across Wurno, Sabon Birni, Isa, and Illela Local Government Areas.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA on patrol. Source: US ARMY / via REUTERS
Rescue Operations in Wurno, Sabon Birni, and Isa.
The ground offensive began when troops responded to a distress call regarding a violent raid on Sabon Gari village in Wurno LGA. Invading terrorists had opened fire sporadically, sending residents fleeing into surrounding areas.
Troops engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat and successfully extracting six kidnapped victims. One civilian who suffered a gunshot wound during the assault was immediately evacuated for medical treatment.
In Sabon Birni LGA, troops intercepted actionable intelligence revealing an attempt by terrorists to cross the Sabon Birni–Takatsaba Road around Chabe Biyu.
Troops quickly moved into position, laying an ambush along the axis of advance. Upon sighting the enemy, soldiers opened fire, scattering the group and securing domination over the area to block future movements.
A third major clash occurred along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road in Isa LGA. Responding to reports of active terror operations, troops made contact with the insurgents and forced them to withdraw under heavy fire.
A search and exploitation phase following the gunfight led to the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians. One victim, who had suffered a bone fracture, was taken to the General Hospital in Isa for urgent medical care.
Key Operational Breakdown
Total Abductees Rescued: 23 civilians across two major locations (6 in Wurno LGA, 17 in Isa LGA).
Suspects Detained: 4 suspected Lakurawa terrorist elements apprehended in Illela LGA.
Assets Recovered: 6 rustled cattle restored from illegal transport.
Medical Interventions: 2 injured civilians evacuated to healthcare facilities.
Crackdown on Lakurawa Terrorist Cell in Illela
In a separate intelligence-driven strike, troops tracked the movement of suspected Lakurawa members attempting to move a herd of rustled cattle from Sarma Village toward Illela LGA.
Troops established a snap checkpoint along the suspected route, capturing four suspected group members and recovering six cows.
The suspects and livestock remain in military custody for preliminary investigations, while tracking forces continue operations to catch fleeing members of the cell.
In a statement released on September 21, 2026, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer for JTF NW Operation FANSAN YAMMA, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining momentum:
“The latest successes underscore the effectiveness of the intelligence-driven and proactive operations being conducted by troops of Sector 2 OPFY to disrupt terrorist activities, rescue kidnapped civilians, and deny terrorists freedom of movement across the Joint Operations Area.
The troops remain resolute in sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and protecting communities within their area of responsibility.”
