BREAKING: 22 Abducted Victims Rescued as Army Continue Massive Operation; Details Emerge 

Troops of Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled coordinated kidnapping attempts by terrorists in Sokoto State and rescued 22 abducted persons in separate operations, reinforcing ongoing military efforts to restore security across the North-West region.

The successful rescue missions, carried out in Sabon Birni and Isa local government areas, followed swift military responses to intelligence reports and distress calls from affected communities, according to the military.

In the first operation, conducted on June 18, troops responded to credible intelligence indicating that armed terrorists had mounted a roadblock along the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road at Kura Mota Village, where they attacked two commercial vehicles and abducted several passengers.

The attackers reportedly killed one civilian during the incident before fleeing with their captives into nearby hideouts.

Military authorities said troops immediately mobilised to the area and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance assets.

The sustained pressure mounted by the security forces forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and retreat.

As a result, 17 kidnapped passengers were rescued unharmed and handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

In a related operation on the same day, troops responded to reports of another terrorist attack at Chohi Village in Isa Local Government Area, where armed bandits attempted to abduct farmers working on their farmlands.

Upon receiving the distress call, troops rapidly deployed to the community and pursued the attackers along their escape route.

The aggressive pursuit compelled the terrorists to release their captives, leading to the successful rescue of five farmers who were subsequently reunited with their families.

Following the operations, troops carried out confidence-building patrols across neighbouring communities, including Gidan Rana and Gidan Sale villages, to reassure residents, strengthen security presence and prevent further terrorist activities in the area.

Speaking on the operations, the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the successes reflected the military’s determination to safeguard communities and deny criminal elements freedom of action.

“These successful rescue operations underscore the unwavering commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protecting the lives and property of the citizenry, safeguarding vulnerable communities and creating a secure environment for citizens to pursue their lawful daily activities without fear,” Danja stated.

The latest operations highlight the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led military actions in the North-West, where security forces have intensified offensives against terrorist and bandit networks threatening rural communities and major transportation routes.

The military has assured residents of Sokoto and neighbouring states of its resolve to sustain ongoing operations aimed at dismantling criminal enclaves, securing farmlands and highways, and restoring lasting peace across the region.

The latest rescue of 22 victims adds to a series of recent successes recorded under Operation FANSAN YAMMA as security forces continue to tighten the noose on terrorist groups operating in the North-West.

Fresh Details as Oyo School Abduction Takes New Turn

A series of desperate tactics have been uncovered as the military works to rescue dozens of pupils and teachers abducted by Boko Haram in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as reported by Politics Nigeria.

More than a month after the May 15 mass abduction, security sources say the terrorists are trapped within the Oyo National Park.

Instead of surrendering, the insurgents, formally known as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, have reportedly planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs) across parts of the forest and are constantly moving their captives to avoid being tracked.

The rescue operation has faced major challenges, with security sources alleging that the group has intensified attacks in other parts of the country in an attempt to divert military attention from the rescue mission. The operation has also led to clashes between troops and the terrorists, resulting in the deaths of some security personnel.

The abduction took place during attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, L.A. Primary School, and Community Grammar School in Esiele, where 42 pupils and teachers, including a principal, were taken into the forest.

One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed the following day. Security sources said the killing was intended to discourage rescue efforts.

The terrorists have reportedly demanded the release of two of their commanders, Mahmud Usman and Abubakar Abba, in exchange for the abducted victims. However, the government has maintained that it will not negotiate with the kidnappers.

Security operatives familiar with the rescue operation stated that all possible exit routes from the forest had been manned by soldiers, making it difficult for the terrorists to move their victims out. It was gathered that soldiers trying to flush out the terrorists have come under attack on two occasions, resulting in the deaths of at least three personnel.

One security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the forest’s difficult terrain and the terrorists’ tactics had slowed down the operation.

“They have planted IEDs everywhere and our men are exploring professional methods to navigate the difficult areas,” The Punch Newspaper quoted the source.

The source added, “Some soldiers have been killed in the operation. There have been shootouts on two occasions. The military lost three personnel in those shootouts. Just two weeks ago, two soldiers were killed in the forest. That has really slowed down the operation, but we are not relenting.”

The source also noted that the terrorists change location almost every day to evade capture.

“They know they are being monitored and that security operatives are everywhere. So, they move their victims from one place to another. But they can’t leave the forest. They have been surrounded.”

Recall that during a recent protest, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, confirmed that some soldiers died during the ongoing rescue efforts.

“We have lost men, even soldiers and officers. I can confirm to you that a lieutenant in the Nigerian Army was killed two days ago.”