Troops Rescue Five Family Members as Terrorists Abduct Zamfara Council Chairman

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have intensified efforts to rescue the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Hon. Nura Umar Abdullahi, who was abducted by armed terrorists during an attack on his residence in the early hours of Friday.

According to the Joint Task Force (North West), the terrorists overpowered the chairman’s police and vigilante security detail before whisking him and members of his family away.

The military said troops responded immediately after hearing gunshots and launched a hot pursuit of the attackers, leading to a fierce gun battle that forced the terrorists to abandon five members of the chairman’s family.

Those rescued include the chairman’s wife, mother, two children and another relative.

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

The attack claimed the lives of three members of the chairman’s security detail two police officers and a local vigilante who were said to have fought gallantly to repel the attackers. A civilian was also killed, while the chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, sustained injuries during the assault.

The Theatre Command said it has 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.

According to the military, security forces are conducting targeted operations at suspected terrorist hideouts in a bid to secure the safe release of the abducted chairman.

The command said all available operational resources had been deployed and assured the Zamfara State Government and residents that every lawful measure was being taken to rescue the council chairman and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

It also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, go about their lawful activities and provide credible information through established security channels to support the ongoing operation.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, pledging to work with other security agencies until the abducted chairman is safely reunited with his family and the perpetrators are brought to justice.