Soldiers foil terrorist attack in Sokoto, rescue two victims

The seized exhibits. Photo: Joint Task Force North-West,

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have arrested a suspected illicit drug peddler in Kaduna State, foiled a terrorist attack and rescued two kidnapped victims in Sokoto State.

The operations were conducted separately on September 12 and 13, 2026, according to a statement issued on Monday by the JTF’s Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja.

Danja said troops of Sector 1, while conducting a stop-and-search operation along the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road on September 12, intercepted a man identified as Yohana Musa.

He said the suspect was found with a large quantity of illicit drugs and other substances while travelling to Birnin Gwari.

“The suspect and recovered items are currently in troops’ custody for further investigation,” Danja said.

In Sokoto, troops of Sector 2 responded to a distress call following a terrorist attack on Unguwan Lalle in Sabon Birni Local Government Area on September 13.

Danja said the troops engaged the terrorists and forced them to retreat while rescuing two kidnapped victims.

“Troops made contact with the terrorists, engaging them with firepower and forcing them to withdraw in disarray, rescuing two kidnapped victims in the process,” he said.

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He added that troops subsequently received intelligence indicating that the terrorists were attempting to regroup and immediately moved to the location.

“Troops swiftly mobilised to the location, where they re-established contact and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to withdraw,” Danja said.

During the subsequent exploitation of the area, the troops recovered 157 rounds of PKT ammunition, phone batteries and other items.

The JTF said the development underscored the troops’ continued efforts to disrupt terrorist activities and deny criminal elements freedom of movement within the North-West.

According to Danja, the Theatre Commander commended the troops for their “gallantry and professionalism” in sustaining the operational successes.

The commander, he said, “remains resolute in denying terrorists and criminal elements freedom of action across the Joint Operations Area.”

The JTF further appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing useful intelligence.

“Members of the public are urged to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces in support of ongoing operations,” Danja said.