Troops of Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), on Tuesday, July 28, foiled an attempted abduction of the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Dr Aminu Yusuf, and his family in Zamfara State. The operation also led to the rescue of 22 other civilians and the arrest of a suspected terrorist informant.
Attack on Rector's Residence
According to a statement released by the Nigerian military, the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when troops responded to a distress call about terrorist activities in the Tsohon-Tasha Street area of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. Terrorists had invaded the residence of the rector, killing his private security guard and injuring another resident, before attempting to abduct the Rector and his family.
The 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 swift response prevented what could have been a major security incident in the region, which has been plagued by banditry and kidnapping for ransom.
Rescue of 21 Other Civilians
In another operation on the same day, troops on night patrol received a distress call from the Tungan Dorawa community in Barkeji Village, reporting an ongoing attempt by terrorists to abduct civilians. Despite difficult terrain that slowed initial movement, troops closed in on the fleeing suspects, engaged them, and foiled the abduction.
Simultaneously, troops engaged another group of terrorists in the same community attempting to kidnap a prominent businessman, Alhaji Azaria. Prompt intervention forced the terrorists to flee and abandon their mission. Alhaji Azaria, along with 21 other civilians abducted from neighbouring houses, were rescued. The total number of civilians rescued from the two operations stands at 23, including the rector's family.
Arrest of Suspected Informant
In a related development, troops arrested a suspected terrorist informant, Falalu Yusuf (45), believed to have collaborated with the terrorists. According to the military statement, the suspect was taken into custody and has been handed over to relevant authorities for investigation and further necessary action. The arrest underscores the military's efforts to dismantle the networks that support banditry in the North West region.
Ongoing Security Challenges in Zamfara
Zamfara State has been a hotspot for banditry and kidnapping, with criminal gangs targeting schools, communities, and individuals for ransom. The Nigerian military has intensified operations under Operation FANSAN YAMMA to curb these activities. The successful foiling of these abduction attempts demonstrates the effectiveness of rapid response and intelligence-led operations, though challenges remain due to the vast and often difficult terrain.
The military has called on the public to continue providing timely information to security agencies to aid in the fight against terrorism and banditry. The rescued individuals are receiving necessary support, while security has been heightened in the affected areas to prevent further attacks.
