The Nigerian Army says its troops have successfully foiled attacks by the Lakurawa terrorist group targeting civilians across Sokoto State.

The spokesperson for Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Sokoto.

Mr Danja said troops rescued 23 kidnap victims and arrested four suspected members of the group in separate operations.

He said troops responded on September 20 to a distress alert on the invasion of Sabon Gari, Wurno Local Government Area (LGA).

According to him, the terrorists fired sporadically, forcing civilians to flee their homes.

Mr Danja said troops engaged the terrorists in a gun battle, forcing them to withdraw from the area.

“Troops rescued six kidnap victims during the operation, while a civilian who sustained a gunshot wound was evacuated to a medical facility,” he said.

In another operation, Mr Danja said soldiers engaged terrorists who attempted to cross the Sabon Birni-Takatsaba Road around Chabe Biyu in the Sabon Birni LGA.

He said troops, acting on intelligence, mobilised, laid an ambush and engaged the terrorists with superior firepower.

The army officer 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 the Isa LGA.

According to him, troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.

“Exploitation of the area later led to the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians,” he said.

Mr Danja disclosed that one of the rescued victims, who sustained a fracture, was evacuated to General Hospital, Isa, for medical attention.

He said intelligence also 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 Lakurawa members.

“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.

Mr Danja said the successes demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven and proactive operations by Sector 2 OPFY troops.

He stated that the operations were aimed at disrupting terrorist activities, rescuing kidnapped civilians and denying terrorists freedom of movement within the joint operations area.

The spokesperson assured that the army remained resolute in sustaining pressure on terrorists and protecting communities within its area of responsibility. 

(NAN)