Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued five family members of Nura Umar Abdullahi, Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area in Zamfara State, following a deadly terrorist attack on his residence, while intense efforts continue to secure his release. The attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday, when armed terrorists stormed the chairman’s home, killing members of his security detail and abducting him. The military confirmed the rescue of the chairman’s wife, two children, mother, and another relative during a fierce gun battle that followed the assault.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA. According to Danja, military personnel responded swiftly after hearing gunshots and engaged the attackers in a heavy exchange of fire. The intense confrontation forced the terrorists to abandon the five family members during their retreat into the surrounding bushes.
The chairman himself remains in the hands of the attackers, who escaped into the dense vegetation after the assault. The military confirmed that the attack resulted in the deaths of three members of the chairman’s security detail — two police officers and a local vigilante — as well as one civilian. Additionally, the chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, sustained injuries during the incident.
In response, the Theatre Command has launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving troops from Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilante groups. All available operational resources have been deployed to the area to locate and rescue the abducted council chairman. The military assured the Zamfara State Government and residents that every lawful measure is being taken to ensure his safe return.
The command also urged the public to remain calm and report any credible information through official security channels to support the ongoing rescue mission. It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the North West region. The military vowed to continue working with all security agencies until the chairman is rescued and those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.
This incident highlights the persistent threat of terrorism in Zamfara State and underscores the need for sustained security operations in the region. The rescue of the chairman’s family members offers a glimmer of hope, but the search for the chairman continues with urgency.
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