TROOPS FOIL MULTIPLE KIDNAP ATTEMPTS, RESCUE FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC RECTOR, 21 OTHERS IN ZAMFARA
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have thwarted multiple kidnap attempts during coordinated counterterrorism operations in Zamfara State, rescuing the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, his family, and 21 other abducted civilians.
The operations, conducted in the early hours of 28 July 2026, further demonstrate the operational tempo of security forces in disrupting terrorist activities across the North West.
According to military sources, troops responded to a distress call reporting an ongoing terrorist attack at Tsohon Tasha Street in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, where armed assailants had invaded the residence of the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Dr. Aminu Yusuf.
During the attack, the terrorists reportedly killed the Rector's private security guard and injured another resident before attempting to abduct the Rector and members of his family.
Troops arrived at the scene within a short period, established contact with the attackers, and engaged them with superior firepower. Unable to withstand the military assault, the terrorists disengaged and fled, abandoning the kidnap attempt. The Rector and his family were rescued without injury.
In a separate operation carried out the same day, troops conducting night patrol received intelligence on another attempted abduction at Tungan Dorawa Community in Barkeji Village. Although difficult terrain delayed their initial movement, the troops advanced towards the location, intercepted the fleeing terrorists, and disrupted the operation before the victims could be taken away.
Almost simultaneously, troops confronted another terrorist cell within the same community that had attempted to abduct a prominent businessman, Alhaji Azaria. Following a brief engagement, the assailants abandoned their mission and escaped under military pressure.
The swift intervention resulted in the rescue of Alhaji Azaria and 21 other civilians who had earlier been abducted from neighbouring residences.
In a follow up operation, troops arrested a 45 year old suspected terrorist collaborator, Falalu Yusuf, who is believed to have provided support to the attackers. Military authorities disclosed that the suspect has been handed over to the appropriate investigative agencies for further interrogation and possible prosecution.
The latest operations represent another tactical success in Operation FANSAN YAMMA's sustained counterterrorism campaign across the North West, where troops continue to intensify offensive operations, intelligence driven patrols, and rapid response missions aimed at disrupting terrorist networks, denying criminal groups operational freedom, and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
The Joint Task Force commended the courage, vigilance, and professionalism of the troops, while reaffirming its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups until lasting peace and security are restored across Zamfara State and the wider North West region.
