Troops Foil Multiple Kidnap Attempts in Zamfara, Rescue Federal Polytechnic Rector and 21 Others

Troops of 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 21 other abducted civilians during separate intelligence-driven operations. Military authorities said the operations also led to the arrest of a suspected terrorist informant believed to have collaborated with the attackers.

Key Takeaways

• Troops rescued the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda and his family after terrorists attacked his residence.

• A private security guard was killed during the attack, while another resident sustained injuries.

• Troops foiled another kidnap attempt in Barkeji Village and rescued 21 civilians alongside a prominent businessman.

• A suspected terrorist informant was arrested and handed over for investigation.

• Operation FANSAN YAMMA reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace across Zamfara and the North West.

Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded fresh operational successes after successful defeating multiple kidnap attempts in Zamfara State and rescuing dozens of victims from suspected terrorists. 

According to the military, the first incident occurred in the early hours of 28 July 2026, when troops responded to a distress call reporting terrorist activity around Tsohon-Tasha Street in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. The attackers had reportedly invaded the residence of the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Dr. Aminu Yusuf, where they killed his private security guard and injured another resident before attempting to abduct the Rector and members of his family. Troops arrived at the scene and engaged the attackers with what the military described as superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to retreat and abandon their captives. Dr. Yusuf and his family were rescued without injury.

Later the same day, troops on night patrol responded to another distress call from Tungan Dorawa Community in Barkeji Village, where suspected terrorists were reportedly attempting to abduct residents. Despite challenging terrain, security forces pursued the fleeing suspects, engaged them, and successfully disrupted the kidnapping operation.

In a related incident within the same community, troops also confronted another group of terrorists attempting to abduct a prominent businessman identified as Alhaji Azaria. The intervention forced the attackers to flee, leading to the rescue of Alhaji Azaria and 21 other civilians who had been abducted from neighbouring homes.

Military authorities also announced the arrest of Falalu Yusuf (45), a suspected terrorist informant alleged to have collaborated with the attackers. He has been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the courage and professionalism of its personnel and reaffirmed its determination to sustain operations aimed at restoring security across Zamfara State and the wider North West region.

Key Quotes

According to Operation FANSAN YAMMA, troops:

"...engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to flee and abandon their victims."

The military further stated that it remains:

"...committed to restoring peace and security in Zamfara State and the larger North West Region."

Operation FANSAN YAMMA is the Joint Task Force responsible for coordinating military operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across Nigeria's North West. The operation forms part of ongoing security efforts to dismantle criminal networks, rescue victims and restore stability in affected communities.

Source: Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, through Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer, 28 July 2026.

PROGRESSVIEWS ANALYSIS

The coordinated response by Operation FANSAN YAMMA highlights the importance of rapid military intervention in disrupting kidnapping operations, particularly in communities that continue to face repeated attacks from armed groups. The rescue of multiple victims during separate operations demonstrates the value of timely intelligence and community reporting in improving operational effectiveness. The arrest of a suspected informant also reflects the military's continued focus on dismantling support networks believed to facilitate terrorist and kidnapping activities.

ℙℝ𝕆𝔾ℝ𝔼𝕊𝕊𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎𝕊 𝕀ℕ𝕊𝕀𝔾ℍ𝕋𝕊

While the successful rescue operations represent a significant operational achievement, the attack on the residence of a public institution's head underscores the persistent security challenges facing parts of the North West. Sustained military pressure, strengthened intelligence gathering and continued cooperation between security agencies and local communities will remain essential to reducing kidnapping and restoring lasting security across the region.