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 release.

According to reports, the council chairman was abducted in the early hours of Saturday when armed terrorists stormed his residence, killing members of his security detail during the attack.

The development was confirmed in a statement by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Aliyu Danja. He disclosed that those rescued include two of the chairman’s children, his wife, mother and another relative.

Danja explained that troops responded swiftly after hearing gunshots and engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange of fire. The pressure from the troops forced the terrorists to abandon the five family members while fleeing during a hot pursuit.

However, he noted that the attackers escaped into nearby bushes with the abducted chairman.

The attack reportedly claimed the lives of three members of the chairman’s security detail, two police officers and a local vigilante, while a civilian was also killed. The chairman’s elder brother, Bello Umar, sustained injuries during the incident.

Security forces, including Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, alongside local vigilantes, have launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation to locate and free the abducted chairman.

Authorities assured residents that all necessary operational resources have been deployed and urged the public to remain calm while providing credible information to aid the ongoing rescue efforts.

The Theatre Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, vowing to continue operations until the chairman is safely rescued and those behind the attack are brought to justice.