Troops Intensify Search for Abducted Zamfara Council Chairman -

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

The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, July 25, 2026, when armed attackers stormed the chairman’s residence.

According to a statement released by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the assailants overpowered security personnel, including police officers and local vigilantes, before abducting the chairman along with some members of his family.

Security forces responded swiftly after hearing gunshots and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle. The intervention forced the terrorists to abandon five of the chairman’s family members, including his wife, two children, his mother, and another relative, all of whom were successfully rescued.

However, the attackers managed to escape into nearby bushes with the council chairman.

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The attack also resulted in casualties. Two police officers and one local vigilante attached to the chairman’s security detail lost their lives while attempting to repel the attackers. A civilian was also killed, while the chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, sustained injuries during the incident.

Following the abduction, a joint search-and-rescue operation has been launched involving troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes. Security personnel are currently combing suspected hideouts in a bid to locate and rescue the abducted chairman.

The military has assured the Zamfara State Government and residents that all available resources are being deployed to secure his safe release.

Authorities also urged members of the public to remain calm, go about their lawful activities, and provide credible information through official security channels to aid ongoing operations.