*Troops foil kidnap attempts, rescue 22 in Sokoto

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) Sector 1, sustained relentless air operations against terrorists and armed bandits across the North West, delivering precision strikes on identified criminal enclaves while intensifying intelligence, surveillance and armed reconnaissance missions in support of ongoing joint operations.

In Sokoto State, Troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan rescued 22 kidnapped victims in separate operations conducted in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas.

NAF aircraft struck a confirmed terrorist stronghold within the Joint Operations Area, disrupting the activities of criminal elements and degrading their operational capability.

The coordinated missions were conducted on 18 and 19 June 2026, underscoring the NAF’s unwavering resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and reinforce security across the theatre.

The Service Spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said that in a separate intelligence-led mission around Kidandan, NAF aircraft neutralised terrorists after positively identifying their movement within the area.

“Follow-up reconnaissance over Fatika and Sabuwa confirmed the absence of further terrorist activity, while sustained aerial surveillance continued in support of friendly ground forces and ongoing operations across the theatre,” he said.

Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, said troops immediately mobilised to Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road at Kura Mota Village in Sokoto following intelligence that terrorists had blocked the road and attacked two civilian vehicles, abducting several passengers.

“Acting swiftly, troops immediately mobilised to the scene and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance. The prompt response and sustained pressure mounted by the troops forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee. Consequently, 17 kidnapped passengers were successfully rescued and subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary action,” Danja said.

Similarly, he said, troops responded to another terrorist attack at Chohi Village, where armed terrorists had attempted to abduct farmers working on their farmlands.

Danja said upon receipt of the distress call, troops rapidly deployed to the area and pursued the fleeing terrorists along their withdrawal route, adding that the aggressive pursuit led to the rescue of five kidnapped farmers, who were thereafter reunited with their families.