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 suspected terrorists during an attack on his residence on Saturday.
The armed attackers reportedly overpowered the chairman’s police escorts and local vigilante personnel before whisking him away. Security forces responded swiftly after hearing gunshots, launching a hot pursuit that resulted in a fierce gun battle with the fleeing terrorists.
Confirming the incident in a statement, the Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, said the troops’ rapid intervention forced the attackers to abandon five members of the chairman’s family.
The rescued victims include the chairman’s wife, mother, two children, and another relative.
According to Danja, the terrorists, however, managed to escape into nearby bushes with the local government chairman despite sustained pressure from security personnel.
The attack claimed the lives of three members of the chairman’s security team—two police officers and a local vigilante—who were killed while resisting the assailants. A civilian also lost his life, while the chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, sustained injuries during the incident.
Following the abduction, 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.
Danja said security operatives are conducting targeted operations at suspected terrorist hideouts with the objective of rescuing the abducted chairman safely.
He assured the Zamfara State Government and residents that the military has deployed all available resources and is working closely with other security agencies to secure the chairman’s release.
“The Theatre Command has committed all available resources to the ongoing operation and remains in close coordination with participating security agencies. Every lawful and operational measure is being taken to achieve a successful outcome,” he said.
The command 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.
Danja reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that security forces would continue working with sister agencies until the abducted chairman is safely reunited with his family and those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.
