Troops Rescue Five Family Members of Abducted Zamfara LG Chairman

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued five family members of the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nura Umar Abdullahi, following a terrorist attack on his residence, while efforts continue to secure his freedom.

The rescue came hours after armed terrorists stormed the chairman’s home in the early hours of Saturday, abducting him after killing members of his security detail.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.

According to the statement, the rescued victims include the chairman’s wife, his mother, two of his children and another relative.

Danja explained that troops responded immediately after hearing gunshots from the chairman’s residence and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.

He said sustained military pressure forced the terrorists to abandon the five family members while fleeing through nearby bushes.

However, the attackers succeeded in escaping with the abducted council chairman.

The military spokesman disclosed that three members of the chairman’s security team were killed during the attack. The victims included two police officers and a local vigilante.

A civilian also lost his life during the assault.

In addition, the chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, sustained injuries and is receiving medical attention.

Following the incident, the Theatre Command activated a coordinated search-and-rescue mission involving troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilante groups.

According to Danja, all available operational resources have been mobilised to locate and rescue the abducted council chairman.

The command assured the Zamfara State Government and residents that security agencies remain committed to securing Abdullahi’s safe release through lawful means.

It also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and support the ongoing operation by providing credible intelligence through established security channels.

The military reiterated its determination to protect lives and property across the North-West, stressing that operations against terrorist groups would continue until the abducted chairman is rescued and those responsible for the attack are apprehended.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA has intensified counter-terrorism operations across Zamfara and neighbouring states in recent months as part of broader efforts to curb banditry, kidnappings and other violent crimes in the region.