Troops rescue Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda Rector, foil multiple kidnap attempts in Zamfara
By IBRAHIM KANOMA, Gusau
According to the statement, the timely arrival of the troops led to a fierce engagement with the terrorists, who were overpowered by the superior firepower of the military and forced to flee the scene.
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), have rescued the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Dr Aminu Yusuf, and his family after foiling an attempt by terrorists to abduct them in Zamfara State.
The operation, according to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
The statement said the troops responded swiftly to a distress call concerning terrorist activities around Tsohon-Tasha Street in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of the state.
It disclosed that the terrorists had invaded the residence of the Polytechnic Rector, killing his private security guard and injuring another resident before attempting to abduct Dr Yusuf and members of his family.
According to the statement, the timely arrival of the troops led to a fierce engagement with the terrorists, who were overpowered by the superior firepower of the military and forced to flee the scene.
The Rector and his family were subsequently rescued unharmed, while the security forces continued efforts to track down the fleeing attackers.
In a separate operation carried out the same day, troops on night patrol responded to another distress call from the Tungan Dorawa community in Barkeji Village, where terrorists were reportedly attempting to abduct civilians.
Despite the difficult terrain, which initially slowed the troops’ movement, the soldiers successfully closed in on the fleeing terrorists and engaged them, thereby foiling the abduction attempt.
The statement added that, in a simultaneous operation within the same community, troops confronted another group of terrorists who were attempting to abduct a prominent businessman identified as Alhaji Azaria.
The intervention of the troops forced the terrorists to abandon their mission and flee, leading to the rescue of Alhaji Azaria and 21 other civilians who had reportedly been abducted from neighbouring houses.
In a related development, troops also arrested a suspected terrorist informant, identified as 45-year-old Falalu Yusuf, who is alleged to have collaborated with the terrorists.
Yusuf has since been handed over to the relevant authorities for investigation and further necessary action.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops for their vigilance, courage and professionalism, while assuring residents of Zamfara State and the wider North-West region of its continued commitment to combating terrorism and restoring peace and security across the region.
The statement was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, and issued to newsmen in Gusau, Zamfara State.
