Army rescues 23 residents from bandits in Sokoto

The Nigerian Army has rescued 23 kidnapped residents during separate operations against bandits and terrorists in Sokoto State.

The troops also repelled attacks, disrupted attempts by terrorists to advance through key routes and arrested four members of the Lakurawa terrorist group during the operations.

It was gathered that the operations occurred in Wurno, Sabon Birni, Isa and Illela Local Government Areas of the state yesterday.

In Wurno, troops responded to an attack on Sabon Gari after terrorists invaded the community and opened fire, forcing residents to flee.

The troops engaged the attackers and drove them away, rescuing six kidnapped victims in the process. A civilian wounded by gunfire was also evacuated for medical treatment.

Similarly, troops acting on intelligence intercepted terrorists attempting to cross the Sabon Birni–Takatsaba Road around Chabe Biyu in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.

The soldiers ambushed the terrorists along their suspected route and opened fire after sighting them, forcing the attackers to retreat.

In Isa Local Government Area, troops responding to a distress call about terrorist activity along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road engaged the attackers and forced them to withdraw.

A subsequent search of the area led to the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians, while a victim who suffered a fracture was taken to General Hospital, Isa, for treatment.

Meanwhile, the Army said troops in Illela Local Government Area arrested four suspected Lakurawa members who were allegedly moving rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela. Six cows were also recovered during the operation.

The Joint Task Force North West said the suspects and recovered livestock remained in military custody as investigations continued, while efforts were underway to apprehend other fleeing members of the group.

Also, the Media Information Officer of JTF North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, said the operations demonstrated the troops’ continued efforts to disrupt terrorist activities, rescue kidnapped civilians and restrict the movement of armed groups.

He added that the troops would sustain operations aimed at protecting communities and maintaining security across their area of responsibility.