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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Disasters & Emergencies

Army foils kidnap attempts, rescues federal poly rector in Zamfara

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Nigerian Army troops foiled multiple kidnapping attempts in Zamfara State, rescuing several victims.
  • Rescued individuals include the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Dr. Aminu Yusuf, and 21 other civilians.
  • The operations also led to the arrest of a suspected terrorist informant.

Nigerian Army troops have successfully thwarted several kidnapping attempts in Zamfara State, leading to the rescue of multiple individuals, including the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Dr. Aminu Yusuf. The operations were conducted by Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

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.

โ€” Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu DanjaDescribing the successful rescue of the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda.

In one incident on July 28, troops responded to a distress call in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. Terrorists had invaded Dr. Yusuf's residence, killing his private security guard and injuring another resident before attempting to abduct him and his family. Prompt intervention by the troops forced the terrorists to flee, allowing for the safe rescue of the Rector and his family.

Later the same day, troops on patrol in Tungan Dorawa community, Barkeji Village, responded to another distress call about terrorists attempting to abduct residents. Despite challenging terrain, the troops pursued and engaged the fleeing suspects, foiling the abduction. During this operation, troops also rescued Alhaji Azaria, a prominent businessman, and 21 other civilians who had been abducted from nearby houses.

Prompt intervention forced the terrorists to flee and abandon their mission. Alhaji Azaria, along with 21 other civilians abducted from neighbouring houses, were rescued.

โ€” Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu DanjaDetailing the rescue of a businessman and other civilians.

Further bolstering security efforts, the troops arrested a 45-year-old suspected terrorist informant, Falalu Yusuf, who is believed to have aided the attackers. He has been handed over to the relevant authorities for investigation.

He has been handed over to relevant authorities for investigation and further necessary action.

โ€” Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu DanjaConfirming the arrest of a suspected terrorist informant.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA reiterated its commitment to restoring peace and security in Zamfara State and the wider North-West region, commending the troops for their vigilance, courage, and professionalism.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA 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.

โ€” Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu DanjaConcluding statement on the successful operations and future commitment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.