Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops rescue a Federal Polytechnic rector and 23 others after foiling multiple kidnap attempts in Zamfara State.
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Dr Aminu Yusuf, his family and 23 other civilians after foiling multiple kidnap attempts by terrorists in Zamfara State.
The military disclosed this in a press release issued on Tuesday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.
According to the statement, the first operation took place in the early hours of July 28 after troops responded to a distress call over terrorist activities around Tsohon-Tasha Street in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
The terrorists had reportedly invaded the residence of the rector, killed his private security guard and injured another resident before attempting to abduct Dr Yusuf and his family.
The statement 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.”
The military said troops later responded to another distress call from Tungan Dorawa community in Barkeji Village, where terrorists were attempting to abduct residents. Despite difficult terrain, troops pursued the suspects, engaged them and foiled the attack.
At the same time, soldiers confronted another terrorist group in the same community that was attempting to kidnap a prominent businessman, Alhaji Azaria.
The statement said the intervention forced the terrorists to flee, while “Alhaji Azaria, along with 21 other civilians abducted from neighbouring houses, were rescued.”
Operation FANSAN YAMMA also announced the arrest of a suspected terrorist informant identified as Falalu Yusuf, 45, who is believed to have collaborated with the attackers.
According to the statement, the suspect “has been handed over to relevant authorities for investigation and further necessary action.”
The military said it “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.”
In a separate statement issued on July 29, Operation FANSAN YAMMA said troops also rescued an abducted soldier and a civilian during a fighting patrol at a terrorist enclave in Zamfara State.
The operation led to the rescue of Lance Corporal Basiru Labbo, who was abducted on July 22 along the Zuru-Anka Road, and Lauwali Dan Ada from Kasahola Village in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.
The statement said the rescued victims “have been evacuated to troops’ location, where they underwent debriefing, medical evaluation, and other necessary administrative procedures.”
It added that “Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains committed to sustained offensive operations and rescue efforts aimed at protecting lives and restoring security across the North West.”