Sokoto: Troops rescue 23 kidnapped victims, arrest four suspected Lakurawa members

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West have rescued 23 kidnapped victims and arrested four suspected Lakurawa terrorists in separate operations in Sokot Read More: https://punchng.com/soldiers-rescue-23-kidnapped-victims-arrest-four-suspected-lakurawa-members-in-sokoto/

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 23 kidnapped victims and arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in separate operations across Sokoto State.The operations, carried out on Sunday, also foiled attempted terrorist attacks in Wurno, Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas, according to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt-Col. Aliyu Danja, on Monday.In Wurno Local Government Area, troops responded to a terrorist attack on Sabon Gari community, where the assailants invaded the area and opened sporadic fire, forcing residents to flee. The soldiers engaged the attackers and compelled them to withdraw, rescuing six kidnapped victims in the process. One civilian who sustained a gunshot wound was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.Troops also acted on intelligence about an attempted terrorist movement along the Sabon Birni,Takatsaba Road near Chabe Biyu in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. They set up an ambush along the likely route and engaged the attackers on sight, forcing them to flee in disarray. The troops continued to dominate the area to deny the terrorists freedom of action.In Isa Local Government Area, soldiers responded to a distress call concerning terrorist activities along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road. They made contact with the terrorists, engaged them, and forced them to withdraw. Exploitation of the area led to the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians. One of the victims, who sustained a fracture, was immediately taken to the General Hospital in Isa for medical attention.In a separate operation in Illela Local Government Area, troops arrested four suspected Lakurawa members following intelligence on their movement while allegedly driving a herd of rustled cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela. A snap checkpoint established along the route led to the arrest of the four suspects and the recovery of six cows.Danja said the suspects and recovered livestock are currently in military custody for further investigation, while efforts continue to apprehend other fleeing members of the group.He noted that the operations demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven and proactive military actions aimed at disrupting terrorist activities and rescuing kidnapped civilians. Troops will sustain pressure on terrorist elements and protect communities within their area of responsibility.