The Nigerian Army has rescued a polytechnic rector and 25 other victims of following an intervention by military operatives in a coordinated attack against banditary in Zamfara State.
One of the key rescue operations involved the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Aminu Yusuf, whose residence came under attack.
Armed bandits reportedly stormed the house after arriving on motorcycles, killing the rector’s private security guard, Isah Bello, 46, and injuring another guard, Sharhabilu Haruna, 35.
The attackers were said to have attempted to abduct the rector, his wife and their two children before troops engaged them with superior firepower.
This forced the bandits to abandon the victims and retreat while Yusuf and his family were rescued without injuries.
In another operation, soldiers responded to an emergency alert involving suspected kidnappers attempting to abduct residents from another community.
Although difficult terrain initially slowed the troops’ advance, they pursued the fleeing gunmen and frustrated the abduction attempt.
The military added that troops later confronted another group of kidnappers operating within the same area and rescued a 56-year-old businessman, Azaria, alongside 21 other civilians who had been abducted from neighbouring homes.
It was gathered on Wednesday that the operations were conducted last night in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to the military, its troops successfully prevented all abduction attempts, overpowered the attackers in the separate encounters and recovered all the victims alive.
During the operations, military personnel also apprehended a suspected informant, 45-year-old Falalu Yusuf, believed to have assisted armed bandits by providing intelligence on their intended targets.
Moreover, military authorities said troops acted swiftly after receiving credible intelligence and distress calls about the coordinated attacks by the armed criminals targeting several communities.
The prompt intervention disrupted the operations of the assailants before they could escape with their captives.
“The troops responded decisively and denied the criminals their objectives,” the military said.
“Their professionalism and rapid response ensured that the victims were rescued safely while the attackers fled under intense pressure.”
According to the Army, all 25 rescued victims are safe and are receiving the necessary support following the operations.
Upon the successful completion of the operations, military authorities praised the troops for their courage, vigilance and professionalism,
The military described the operations as another demonstration of the Army’s determination to dismantle criminal networks operating across the state.
“We remain committed to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and bandits until lasting peace is restored,” the military said.
The Army also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent future attacks and strengthen ongoing counter-banditry operations.