Troops intensify search for abducted Zamfara LG chairman

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

The military disclosed this in a statement released on Saturday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.

According to the statement, the gunmen invaded the council chairman’s residence in the early hours of July 25, 2026, where they overpowered police officers and local vigilantes providing security before abducting Abdullahi along with some members of his family.

The military said troops swiftly mobilised to the scene after hearing gunshots and engaged the fleeing attackers in a fierce exchange of fire.

The statement said, “Troops’ prompt intervention forced the terrorists to abandon five of the chairman’s family members, comprising two of his children, mother, wife and his relatives, who were successfully rescued.”

Despite the rescue, the military said the abductors escaped with the council chairman.

However, the military added that “the terrorists narrowly escaped into surrounding bushes with the Chairman.”

The attack also resulted in casualties among members of the security team protecting the chairman.

According to the statement, “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.”

The military further disclosed that one civilian lost his life during the attack, while the chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, sustained injuries.

In response to the incident, Operation FANSAN YAMMA said it had launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving its troops, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilante groups.

Security personnel, according to the statement, are currently combing locations where the kidnappers are suspected to be hiding in a bid to secure the chairman’s safe release.

The command said it has deployed all available operational resources to the rescue mission and assured the Zamfara State Government and residents that every lawful measure is being taken to free the abducted council chairman.

It also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, go about their lawful activities and provide credible information through official security channels to support the ongoing operation.