Nigerian Army rescues abductees in Sokoto and arrests bandits in Kaduna

Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, led by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, carried out a series of security operations in Nigeria's northwest. In Sokoto State, troops rescued 22 abducted individuals: 17 passengers from a commercial‑vehicle attack on the Sabon Birni‑Shinkafi road and five farmers from an attempted kidnapping in Chohi Village, Isa Local Government Area. The operations involved rapid intelligence‑driven deployment, aerial support and subsequent confidence‑building patrols in nearby villages.

In Kaduna State, forces recovered rustled livestock, seized weapons and ammunition, and arrested multiple suspected bandits during coordinated actions on June 20‑21, 2026. Two bandits were neutralised in a firefight, others captured after patrols, and digital material linking them to terrorist activities was seized. One civilian died during the incident, and troops also dispersed a mob following the killing of a female suspect accused of child trafficking. The military reiterated its commitment to continue offensive operations to combat terrorism and banditry and to restore security across the region.