Troops Foil Kidnap Attempts In Zamfara, Rescue Polytechnic Rector, 22 Others

Troops Foil Kidnap Attempts In Zamfara, Rescue Polytechnic Rector, 22 Others

GUSAU - Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled several kidnap attempts in Zamfara State and rescued the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda along with 22 other civilians.  

The military disclosed this in a statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, on Tuesday, 28 July 2026.  

According to the statement, the first incident occurred in the early hours of Monday around Tsohon-Tasha Street, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. “Troops responded to a distress call on terrorist activities around Tsohon-Tasha Street. The terrorists had invaded the residence of the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Dr Aminu Yusuf, killing his private security guard and injuring another resident, before attempting to abduct the Rector and his family,”Lt. Col. Danja said. 
 
“Troops arrived promptly and engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to flee and abandon their victims. The Rector and his family were rescued unharmed,” he added.  

In a separate operation on the same day, troops on night patrol received another distress call from Tungan Dorawa community in Barkeji Village. “Despite difficult terrain that slowed initial movement, troops closed in on the fleeing suspects, engaged them, and foiled the abduction,” the statement said.  

The military also said troops simultaneously engaged another group of terrorists in the same community who were attempting to kidnap a businessman. “Prompt intervention forced the terrorists to flee and abandon their mission. Alhaji Azaria, along with 21 other civilians abducted from neighbouring houses, were rescued,” Lt. Col. Danja stated.  

The JTF further disclosed that a suspected collaborator was apprehended during the operations. “In a related development, troops arrested a suspected terrorist informant, Falalu Yusuf, aged 45, believed to have collaborated with the terrorists. He has been handed over to relevant authorities for investigation and further necessary action,” he said.  

Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops for their conduct and reiterated its commitment to securing the region. “Operation FANSAN YAMMA commends the vigilance, courage, and professionalism of the troops, and reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security in Zamfara State and the larger North West Region,” Lt. Col. Danja said.