Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 23 kidnapped civilians and arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group during separate operations in Sokoto State.
Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, spokesperson for Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma on Monday said the operations also foiled attacks by Lakurawa terrorists targeting civilians in parts of the state.
He said troops responded on Sept. 20 to a distress alert over the invasion of Sabon Gari in Wurno Local Government Area.
He disclosed that the terrorists fired sporadically, forcing residents to flee their homes.
Danja said troops engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to withdraw from the area.
“Troops rescued six kidnapped victims during the operation, while a civilian who sustained a gunshot wound was evacuated to a medical facility,” he said.
In another operation, Danja said troops engaged terrorists who attempted to cross the Sabon Birni-Takatsaba Road around Chabe Biyu in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
He said troops, acting on intelligence, mobilised, laid an ambush and engaged the terrorists with superior firepower.
The Army spokesperson said the terrorists fled in disarray, while troops continued to dominate the area and deny them freedom of action.
He further said troops responded to a distress call over terrorist activities along the Isa-Kwanar Isa-Shinkafi Road in Isa Local Government Area.
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Danja said troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them, forcing them to withdraw.
“Exploitation of the area later led to the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians,” he said.
He disclosed that one of the rescued victims, who sustained a fracture, was evacuated to General Hospital, Isa, for medical attention.
Danja also said intelligence revealed the movement of suspected Lakurawa members driving rustled cattle from Sarma village towards Illela.
He said troops established a snap checkpoint along the suspected route, leading to the arrest of four suspected members of the group.
“Troops recovered six cows during the operation. The suspects and recovered livestock are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action,” he said.
The spokesperson said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the group.
He said the successes demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven and proactive operations by Sector 2 troops under Operation Fansan Yamma.
Danja said the operations were aimed at disrupting terrorist activities, rescuing kidnapped civilians and denying terrorists freedom of movement within the joint operations area.
He assured that the Army remained resolute in sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and protecting communities within its area of responsibility.
NAN
