Troops Intensify Search for Abducted Zamfara Council Chairman, Rescue Five Family Members

The Theatre Command of Operation FANSAN YAMMA has intensified efforts to rescue the Executive Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Honourable Nura Umar Abdullahi, following his abduction by armed terrorists in the early hours of Friday.

The attack, which occurred at the chairman's residence on 25 July 2026, also resulted in casualties among his security personnel and prompted a large-scale search and rescue operation involving multiple security agencies.

According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the terrorists stormed the chairman's residence, overpowered his police and local vigilante security detail and abducted him alongside members of his family.

The statement explained that troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded immediately after hearing gunshots from the area, swiftly mobilising to the scene and launching a hot pursuit of the fleeing terrorists.

The ensuing pursuit led to a fierce gun battle, forcing the attackers to abandon five members of the chairman's family, who were successfully rescued by the troops.

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 came at a heavy cost as three members of the chairman's security team two police officers and one local vigilante were killed while resisting the attackers.

A civilian also lost his life during the incident, while the chairman's elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, sustained injuries.

Following the attack, 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.

Security forces are currently conducting deliberate operations in suspected terrorist hideouts with the objective of rescuing the abducted chairman safely and apprehending those responsible for the attack.

Lieutenant Colonel Danja said the Theatre Command had deployed all available operational resources and remains in close coordination with other participating security agencies to ensure the success of the rescue mission.

He assured the Zamfara State Government and residents that every lawful and operational measure was being taken to secure the chairman's release and restore peace in the area.

The Command also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, continue with their lawful activities and provide credible information through established security channels that could assist the ongoing operation.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property across the North-West, the Theatre Command pledged to sustain joint operations with sister security agencies until the abducted council chairman is safely reunited with his family and those behind the attack are arrested and brought to justice.