Troops Foil Multiple Kidnap Attempts, Rescue Federal Polytechnic Rector in Zamfara

Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled multiple kidnap attempts and rescued the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Dr Aminu Yusuf, during coordinated operations in Zamfara State.

A statement by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the first operation was carried out in the early hours of July 28, following a distress call reporting terrorist activities along Tsohon Tasha Street in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.

According to the statement, the terrorists stormed the residence of the Rector, killing his private security guard and injuring another resident before attempting to abduct Dr Yusuf and members of his family. However, troops responded swiftly, engaged the attackers in a gun battle and forced them to retreat, successfully rescuing the Rector and his family unharmed.

In a separate operation on the same day, troops on night patrol responded to another distress call from Tungan Dorawa community in Barkeji Village, where armed terrorists were reportedly attempting to abduct residents. Despite the difficult terrain, the troops pursued the fleeing criminals, engaged them and foiled the kidnap attempt.

The military further disclosed that troops simultaneously intercepted another group of terrorists in the same community who were attempting to kidnap a prominent businessman, Alhaji Azaria. The prompt intervention forced the attackers to abandon their mission, leading to the rescue of Alhaji Azaria and 21 other civilians who had been abducted from neighbouring houses.

Meanwhile, the troops arrested a 45 year old suspected terrorist informant, Falalu Yusuf, who is alleged to have provided support to the criminal group. The suspect has been handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Joint Task Force described the operations as part of its sustained offensive against terrorist groups operating in the North West, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property and restoring lasting peace across Zamfara State and the wider region.

Lieutenant Colonel Danja commended the courage, vigilance and professionalism of the troops, assuring residents that ongoing intelligence driven operations would continue to deny terrorists freedom of action and enhance security in the region.