Troops Foil Multiple Kidnap Attempts in Zamfara, Rescue Polytechnic Rector, 21 Others

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled multiple kidnap attempts in Zamfara State, rescuing the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Dr. Aminu Yusuf, his family, and 21 other abducted victims during separate operations.

The military also arrested a suspected terrorist informant believed to have aided the attackers.

According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the operations were carried out in the early hours of July 28 following distress calls from residents.

The first incident occurred at Tsohon-Tasha Street in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, where armed terrorists reportedly stormed the residence of the Polytechnic Rector in an attempt to abduct him and members of his family.

The attackers allegedly killed the Rector’s private security guard and injured another resident before troops responded to the distress call.

The military said troops engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to flee and abandon their victims.

“The Rector and his family were rescued unharmed,” the statement said.

In another operation the same day, troops on night patrol responded to reports of an attempted abduction in Tungan Dorawa community, Barkeji Village.

Despite navigating difficult terrain, the troops intercepted the fleeing terrorists, engaged them in a gun battle and foiled the kidnap attempt.

The military said troops simultaneously confronted another group of terrorists in the same community who were attempting to abduct a prominent businessman, identified as Alhaji Azaria.

The swift intervention forced the attackers to abandon the operation and flee.

Alhaji Azaria and 21 other civilians who had been abducted from neighbouring houses were rescued during the operation.

In a related development, troops arrested a 45-year-old suspected terrorist informant, Falalu Yusuf, who is alleged to have collaborated with the criminal group.

The suspect has been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the courage and professionalism of the troops, reaffirming its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist and criminal elements across Zamfara State and the wider North-West region.

The military also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in the region.