Troops rescue five family members as terrorists abduct Bungudu LGA chairman in Zamfara

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have launched an intensive search-and-rescue operation following the abduction of the Executive Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Hon. Nura Umar Abdullahi, by armed terrorists during an attack on his residence in the early hours of Saturday.

According to the Theatre Command, the terrorists stormed the chairman’s residence, overpowered his police and vigilante security detail, and abducted him along with members of his family.

Troops responded immediately after hearing gunfire and swiftly moved to the scene, where they engaged the fleeing terrorists in a fierce gun battle.

The prompt intervention forced the attackers to abandon five members of the chairman’s family, who were rescued unharmed. Those rescued include two of his children, his wife, his mother and another relative.

However, the terrorists escaped into nearby bushes with the council chairman.

The attack claimed the lives of two police officers, one local vigilante and one civilian, while the chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, sustained injuries during the incident.

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

Security forces are currently conducting deliberate operations around suspected terrorist hideouts in a bid to rescue the abducted chairman safely.

The Theatre Command said it had deployed all available operational resources to the rescue mission and was maintaining close coordination with all participating security agencies.

It assured the Zamfara State Government and residents that every lawful operational measure was being taken to secure the chairman’s release and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The command also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, continue with their lawful activities and provide credible intelligence through established security channels to support the ongoing operation.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and vowed to sustain operations until the abducted chairman is rescued and the perpetrators are brought to justice.