Troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have intensified efforts to rescue the Executive Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area in Zamfara State, Hon. Nura Umar Abdullahi, following his abduction by armed terrorists.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed that the attackers stormed the chairman’s residence in the early hours of July 25, 2026. The assailants reportedly overpowered security personnel, including police officers and local vigilantes, before abducting the chairman along with some members of his family.

Troops swiftly responded after hearing gunshots and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle. The prompt intervention forced the terrorists to abandon five of the chairman’s family members, two children, his mother, wife and another relative, who were successfully rescued.

However, the attackers managed to escape into nearby bushes with the chairman.

The incident turned deadly, as two police officers and a local vigilante lost their lives while resisting the attackers. A civilian was also killed, while the chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, sustained injuries during the attack.

Following the incident, security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilantes, have launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation. Ongoing efforts are focused on areas where the kidnappers are believed to be hiding.

The military assured the Zamfara State government and residents that all necessary resources have been deployed to secure the chairman’s safe release.

 

Authorities also urged residents to remain calm, go about their lawful activities and provide credible information through official security channels to aid the operation.