Troops repel attack, rescue abductees in Sokoto

Troops of the Nigerian Army have repelled a terrorist attack and rescued abducted civilians during a patrol in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Details of the operation were made known in a post shared on X on Thursday by security analyst Zagazola Makama, who cited security sources.

According to the post, the troops drawn from 8 Division Garrison and operating from the Forward Operating Base in Goronyo were on a fighting patrol to Gorau village at about 2:50 am on April 21 when they encountered armed terrorists.

On contact, the soldiers engaged the attackers in a gun battle and overpowered them, forcing the terrorists to flee and abandon four kidnapped victims.

According to Makama, preliminary findings indicated that the attackers, numbering about 20, had earlier invaded the village, killing three residents and leaving three others with gunshot injuries.

“The injured victims were quickly evacuated for medical treatment, while the rescued abductees were safely reunited with their families,” Makama wrote.

Security sources said troops have since intensified clearance operations in the area to prevent further attacks and restore calm in the community.