Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), have thwarted multiple kidnap attempts in Zamfara State, rescuing a Federal Polytechnic rector, a prominent businessman, and 21 other civilians during coordinated counter-terrorism operations.
The operations, carried out in the early hours of Monday, July 28, 2026, were launched after troops responded to a distress call reporting terrorist activities around Tsohon-Tasha Street in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
According to the military, the terrorists had stormed 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 whisk away the rector and members of his family.
Troops swiftly mobilised to the scene, engaged the attackers with superior firepower, and forced them to flee, abandoning their captives. Dr. Yusuf 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 armed terrorists were reportedly attempting to abduct residents, The News Chronicle reports.
Despite navigating difficult terrain that initially slowed their advance, the troops tracked down the fleeing terrorists, engaged them in a firefight, and successfully foiled the kidnap attempt.
Almost simultaneously, another terrorist group launched an attack in the same community, targeting a prominent businessman, Alhaji Azaria. However, the troops’ rapid intervention forced the attackers to retreat without achieving their objective.
The operation also led to the rescue of Alhaji Azaria and 21 other civilians who had been abducted from neighbouring homes during the raid.
In a related development, security forces arrested a 45-year-old suspected terrorist informant, 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, Operation FANSAN YAMMA reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across Zamfara State and the wider North-West region.
