Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, rescued Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda Rector, Dr Aminu Yusuf, in Zamfara State on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, after foiling an attempted abduction at his residence and preventing other kidnapping operations in the state.
The Nigerian Army said the successful Zamfara rector rescue followed a swift response to distress calls from communities targeted by suspected terrorists operating in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
Also read: Army Colonel killed in failed abduction attempt in Abuja
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops responded in the early hours of July 28 after receiving reports of terrorist activities around Tsohon-Tasha Street in Kaura Namoda.
Danja said the attackers had stormed the rector’s residence, killed his private security guard and injured another resident before attempting to abduct Dr Yusuf and members of his family.
He said the arrival of the troops forced the attackers to withdraw after an exchange of fire.
“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,” Danja stated.
The military spokesman added that the operation was part of wider security efforts across Zamfara, where troops also disrupted another attempted abduction in the Tungan Dorawa community, Barkeji Village.
He explained that troops on night patrol moved in after receiving information about terrorists attempting to abduct residents. Despite challenging terrain, the soldiers engaged the attackers and forced them to retreat.
In a separate intervention within the same community, troops also stopped an attack targeting a prominent businessman identified as Alhaji Azaria.
The operation led to the rescue of Azaria and 21 other civilians who had been abducted from neighbouring houses.
The Army further disclosed that a 45-year-old suspected terrorist informant, Falalu Yusuf, was arrested during the operations and handed over to relevant authorities for investigation.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops for their response and reaffirmed its commitment to improving security across Zamfara State and the wider North-West region.
Lieutenant Colonel Danja said the operation demonstrated the importance of public cooperation and timely security alerts in preventing criminal activities.
Also read: Army Colonel killed in failed abduction attempt in Abuja
The latest intervention comes amid continued military operations aimed at tackling terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across parts of northern Nigeria.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
