Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued five family members of the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area in Zamfara State after armed terrorists stormed his residence and abducted him.
The Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday by its Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, detailing the military’s response to the attack.
The statement said the terrorists invaded the residence of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Nura Umar Abdullahi, during the early hours of Friday after overpowering police officers and local vigilantes assigned to his security.
Troops were said to have responded immediately after hearing gunshots and pursued the fleeing attackers, leading to a fierce gun battle. The military said the pressure mounted by the troops forced the terrorists to abandon five members of the chairman’s family, including “2 of his children, mother, wife and his relatives,” who were rescued safely. The attackers, the statement added, escaped through nearby bushes with the council chairman.
The attack left members of the chairman’s security team dead, including two police officers and one local vigilante who confronted the assailants. A civilian also lost his life, while the chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, sustained injuries during the assault.
Following the incident, the Theatre Command said it activated a coordinated search and rescue mission involving Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and local vigilantes. Security personnel are carrying out targeted operations in areas believed to be the terrorists’ hideouts in a bid to secure the chairman’s freedom.
The command said it had committed all available resources to the operation and was maintaining close collaboration with participating security agencies.
It assured the Zamfara State Government and residents that “every lawful and operational measure is being taken to achieve a successful outcome.”
The military also urged residents to remain peaceful, continue their lawful activities and share credible intelligence through established security channels to support the ongoing operation.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Theatre Command stated that it “remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property” and would continue working with other security agencies until the abducted chairman is reunited with his family and those behind the attack are brought to justice.