Soldiers Stop Kidnappers, Save Polytechnic Rector in Zamfara

Troops from Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have stopped several kidnap attempts and rescued the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Dr. Aminu Yusuf, along with other victims in Zamfara State.

The military shared this news in a statement on X on Tuesday through the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.

The first incident happened in the early hours of July 28. Troops responded to a distress call about terrorist activities near Tsohon-Tasha Street in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.

Danja said the attackers had broken into the rector's home, killing his private security guard and injuring another person. They tried to kidnap Dr. Yusuf and his family members.

He stated, "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 and unharmed."

In another operation on the same day, troops on night patrol responded to a call from the Tungan Dorawa community in Barkeji Village. Terrorists were trying to abduct residents there.

Despite the tough terrain that slowed them down, the troops caught up with the fleeing suspects, engaged them, and stopped the kidnapping.

Danja also mentioned that troops were dealing with another group of terrorists in the same area. They were trying to kidnap a well-known businessman, Alhaji Azaria.

He said, "Prompt intervention forced the terrorists to flee and abandon their mission. Alhaji Azaria, along with 21 other civilians abducted from nearby houses, were rescued."

The statement revealed that troops arrested a 45-year-old man named Falalu Yusuf. He is suspected of being a terrorist informant who helped the attackers.

“He has been handed over to relevant authorities for investigation and further necessary action,” Danja said.

Danja praised the troops for their successful operations. He said Operation FANSAN YAMMA is dedicated to bringing peace and security back to Zamfara State and the wider North-West region.

He added, "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."