Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued five family members of the Executive Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area in Zamfara State, Honourable Nura Umar Abdullahi, following a deadly terrorist attack on his residence in the early hours of Friday. However, the council chairman remains in captivity despite an ongoing joint search and rescue operation involving multiple security agencies.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on 25 July 2026 by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, who said troops responded swiftly after hearing gunfire at the chairman’s residence.
According to the statement, the terrorists overpowered the chairman’s police and local vigilante security detail before abducting him and members of his family. Troops immediately launched a hot pursuit, engaging the fleeing terrorists in a fierce gun battle that forced them to abandon five captives, including the chairman’s wife, mother, two children and another relative, all of whom were rescued safely.
The attack, however, claimed the lives of three members of the chairman’s security detail: two police officers and one local vigilante who were said to have fought gallantly against the attackers. A civilian was also killed during the assault, while the chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, sustained injuries.
The Theatre Command said it has since 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 personnel are currently conducting deliberate operations in suspected terrorist hideouts to secure the safe release of the abducted council chairman.
Reaffirming its commitment to the operation, the Theatre Command said all available resources have been deployed while maintaining close collaboration with participating security agencies. It assured the Zamfara State Government and residents that every lawful operational measure is being taken to rescue the chairman and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.
The Command also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, go about their lawful activities and provide credible intelligence through established security channels to support the ongoing rescue efforts.
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