Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have arrested a suspected illicit drug peddler in Kaduna State, foiled a terrorist attack and rescued two kidnapped victims in Sokoto State.

The operations were conducted in separate locations across Kaduna and Sokoto states on September 12 and 13, 2026.

On September 12, troops of Sector 1, while conducting a stop-and-search operation along the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road, intercepted a man identified as Yohana Musa.

The suspect was allegedly found in possession of a large quantity of illicit drugs and other substances while travelling to Birnin Gwari.

The suspect and the recovered items have been taken into military custody for further investigation.

In a separate operation on September 13, troops of Sector 2 responded to a distress call following a terrorist attack at Unguwan Lalle in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The troops engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray, while two kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation.

The military subsequently received information about an attempt by the terrorists to regroup and swiftly mobilised to the location.

The troops re-established contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a fierce gun battle, again forcing the criminals to withdraw.

During exploitation of the area, the troops recovered 157 rounds of PKT ammunition, phone batteries and other items believed to be associated with the terrorists.

The Theatre Commander commended the troops for their gallantry and professionalism in sustaining operational successes across the Joint Operations Area.

“The Theatre Command remains resolute in denying terrorists and criminal elements freedom of action across the Joint Operations Area,” the Commander stated.

The military also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces to support ongoing operations against terrorists and other criminal elements.