Terrorists abduct Bungudu LGA Chairman, family members in Zamfara fresh attack
By IBRAHIM KANOMA, Gusau
According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, troops responded swiftly after hearing gunshots and moved to the scene, where they engaged the terrorists in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Armed terrorists have abducted the Executive Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Honourable Nura Umar Abdullahi, following an attack on his residence in the early hours of Saturday, July 25, 2026.
The attackers were also reported to have initially abducted members of the chairman’s family after overpowering his police and local vigilante security detail.
According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, troops responded swiftly after hearing gunshots and moved to the scene, where they engaged the terrorists in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
The statement said the intervention by the troops forced the terrorists to abandon five members of the chairman’s family, comprising two of his children, his mother, wife and another relative. The five victims were subsequently rescued by the security forces.
However, the terrorists reportedly escaped into the surrounding bushes with the chairman.
The attack also resulted in the deaths of three members of the chairman’s security detail, including two police officers and a local vigilante who were said to have fought gallantly in an attempt to repel the attackers.
A civilian was also killed during the incident, while the chairman’s elder brother, identified as Alhaji Bello Umar, sustained injuries.
Following the attack, the Theatre Command activated a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilantes.
According to the statement, security forces are currently conducting deliberate operations around suspected locations where the terrorists may be hiding, with the primary objective of rescuing the abducted local government chairman safely.
“The Theatre Command has deployed all available resources in the ongoing operation and remains in close coordination with participating security agencies,” the statement said.
The Command assured the Zamfara State Government and residents that all lawful and operational measures were being taken to secure the safe release of the abducted chairman.
It also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and continue their lawful activities, while urging them to provide credible information through established security channels that could assist the ongoing rescue operation.
The Theatre Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, saying it would continue to work closely with sister security agencies until the abducted chairman is safely reunited with his family and the perpetrators are brought to justice.
