In a series of coordinated actions, troops from Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) thwarted several terrorist attacks across Sokoto State and liberated 23 civilians who had been kidnapped by the Lakurawa group. The operation, carried out between 20 and 22 September 2026, also resulted in the arrest of four suspected militants and the recovery of six stolen cattle.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer for OPFY, the first engagement occurred on Sunday, 20 September, in the Sabon Gari community of Wurno Local Government Area. Terrorists burst into the settlement and opened fire, forcing residents to flee. OPFY troops responded, forcing the attackers to retreat and rescuing six kidnapped victims. One civilian, who sustained a gunshot wound, was taken to a medical facility for treatment.
Later that day, OPFY forces set an ambush along the Sabon Birni–Takatsaba Road in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. Intelligence indicated that terrorists were attempting to cross the road near Chabe Biyu. When the attackers arrived, the troops engaged them, again forcing a retreat and preventing further attacks in the area.
On the same day, a distress call about terrorist activity on the Isa‑Kwanar Isa‑Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area prompted OPFY troops to intervene. The soldiers engaged the attackers, forced them to withdraw, and subsequently searched the area, rescuing 17 civilians. One of the rescued individuals, who had a fractured limb, was transported to General Hospital, Isa, for medical care.
In Illela Local Government Area, OPFY troops arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa group after intercepting them while they allegedly transported a herd of stolen cattle from Sarma Village to Illela. The soldiers established a checkpoint along the suspected route, seized the four suspects and recovered six cows. Both the suspects and the livestock remain in military custody pending further investigation.
“The troops engaged the attackers and forced them to retreat,” said Danja. “We remain vigilant to prevent any return of the terrorists and to continue our efforts to arrest other members of the group who escaped.”
These operations demonstrate the ongoing commitment of OPFY to safeguard Sokoto State’s communities from terrorist threats and to restore security in the region.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
