The Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, has given details of the abduction of the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area in Zamfara State, saying the attack claimed the lives of members of the chairman’s security detail, including two policemen and a local vigilante.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Gusau, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, further said troops’ prompt intervention forced the terrorists to abandon five of the chairman’s family members, comprising two of his children, his mother, wife and a relative, who were successfully rescued.
‘However, the terrorists narrowly escaped into the surrounding bushes with the chairman. Sadly, the attack claimed the lives of members of the chairman’s security detail, including two policemen and one local vigilante who gallantly resisted the attackers. Also, a civilian was killed, while the chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, was injured during the attack.’
‘In the early hours of today, 25 July 2026, armed terrorists attacked the residence of the Executive Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area, Zamfara State, Honourable Nura Umar Abdullahi, abducting him and members of his family after overpowering his police and vigilante detail.
‘On hearing gunshots, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded immediately and swiftly moved to the scene, where they engaged in a hot pursuit of the terrorists, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
‘Following the incident, the Theatre Command activated a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilantes. Security forces are currently conducting deliberate operations at the suspected location of the terrorists, aimed at safely rescuing the abducted chairman.
‘The Theatre Command has deployed all available resources in the ongoing operation and remains in close coordination with participating security agencies.
‘The Theatre Command assures the Government and people of Zamfara State that every lawful and operational measure is being taken to achieve a successful outcome.
‘The Command appeals to members of the public to remain calm, continue with their lawful activities and provide credible information through established security channels that may assist the ongoing operation.
‘The Theatre remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property and will continue working with sister security agencies until the abducted chairman is safely reunited with his family and the perpetrators are brought to justice,’ he concluded.