Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have foiled an attempt to abduct the rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, in Tsohon-Tasha Street, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

A statement on Tuesday by the spokesman for the operation in the North-West, Aliyu Danja, said the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when troops responded to attacks by terrorists.

“The terrorists had invaded the residence of the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Dr Aminu Yusuf, killing his private security guard and injuring another resident, before attempting to abduct the rector and his family,” he said.

He stated that troops arrived promptly and engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to flee and abandon their victims.

Mr Danja added that the rector and his family were rescued unharmed.

He stated that 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.

According to him, despite difficult terrain that slowed their initial movement, troops closed in on the fleeing suspects, engaged them, and foiled the abduction attempt.

“Troops engaged another group of terrorists in the same community attempting to kidnap a prominent businessman, Alhaji Azaria,” Mr Danja said.

The spokesman added that the prompt intervention forced the terrorists to flee and abandon their mission, noting that Alhaji Azaria, along with 21 other civilians abducted from neighbouring houses, were rescued.

He noted that troops also arrested a suspected terrorist informant, Falalu Yusuf, 45, believed to have collaborated with the terrorists.

He added, “He has been handed over to relevant authorities for investigation and further necessary action.”