Troops foil kidnap attempts, rescue Zamfara Polytechnic rector

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, Zamfara State.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the operation followed a distress call in the early hours of Tuesday over terrorist activities around Tsohon-Tasha Street in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.

According to the statement, the attackers had invaded the residence of the rector, Dr. Aminu Yusuf, killing his private security guard and injuring another resident before attempting to abduct the rector and members of his family.

Danja said troops responded swiftly and engaged the attackers with superior firepower, forcing them to flee and abandon their victims.

“The rector and his family were rescued unharmed,” he said.

In a separate operation on the same day, troops on night patrol responded to another distress call from Tungan Dorawa community in Barkeji Village over an attempted abduction by terrorists.

Despite the difficult terrain, Danja said the troops pursued the fleeing suspects, engaged them, and foiled the kidnap attempt.

He added that the troops simultaneously confronted another group of attackers in the same community who were attempting to abduct a prominent businessman, Alhaji Azaria.

“The prompt intervention forced the terrorists to flee and abandon their mission. Alhaji Azaria, along with 21 other civilians abducted from neighbouring houses, were rescued,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, troops also arrested a suspected terrorist informant, identified as 45-year-old Falalu Yusuf, who is believed to have collaborated with the attackers.

The suspect has been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and necessary action.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the vigilance, courage, and professionalism of the troops, reaffirming its commitment to restoring peace and security in Zamfara State and the wider North-West region.