Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have thwarted multiple kidnap attempts in Zamfara State, rescuing the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Dr. Aminu Yusuf, his family, and 22 other victims during coordinated operations across the state.
The military said the first operation took place in the early hours of Tuesday, July 28, 2026, after troops responded to a distress call reporting an attack by suspected terrorists at Tsohon-Tasha Street in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
According to the military, the attackers had stormed 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.
However, troops arrived swiftly and engaged the assailants in a fierce gun battle, overwhelming them with superior firepower and forcing them to flee. The Rector and his family were rescued unharmed.
In a separate operation later the same day, troops on night patrol responded to another distress call from Tungan Dorawa community in Barkeji Village, where terrorists were reportedly attempting to abduct residents.
Despite difficult terrain that initially slowed their movement, the soldiers pursued the fleeing suspects, engaged them, and successfully disrupted the abduction attempt.
At about the same time, troops confronted another group of terrorists in the same community who were attempting to kidnap a prominent businessman, Alhaji Azaria.
The military said the prompt intervention forced the attackers to abandon their mission and flee, leading to the rescue of Alhaji Azaria and 21 other civilians who had been abducted from neighbouring homes.
In a related development, troops arrested a 45-year-old suspected terrorist informant, identified as Falalu Yusuf, who is believed to have collaborated with the attackers. He has since been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Commending the troops for their vigilance, courage and professionalism, the Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against criminal elements and restoring lasting peace and security across Zamfara State and the wider North-West region.
