Security forces have intensified efforts to secure the release of the Zamfara chairman abduction victim, Hon. Nura Umar Abdullahi, Executive Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area, following his abduction by suspected terrorists. The Joint Task Force (North West) said troops have already rescued five members of his family during a coordinated response and have launched an expanded search-and-rescue operation involving multiple security agencies.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the military said the attackers invaded the chairman’s residence in the early hours of July 25, 2026, overpowering police officers and vigilante personnel stationed at the location before abducting the council chairman along with several members of his family.
According to the statement, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma responded immediately after hearing gunfire and engaged the fleeing attackers in a fierce exchange. The military said the swift intervention forced the attackers to abandon five members of the chairman’s family, including his wife, mother, two children and another relative, all of whom were rescued unharmed. The suspected terrorists, however, escaped into nearby bushes with the abducted council chairman.
The attack also resulted in casualties among security personnel and civilians. The military disclosed that two police officers, a local vigilante and a civilian were killed during the incident, noting that the security operatives fought while resisting the attackers. It also confirmed that the chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, sustained injuries during the assault.
Following the incident, the Theatre Command activated a joint rescue operation involving troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilante groups. According to the military, security personnel are conducting targeted operations in locations believed to be terrorist hideouts in an effort to secure the safe release of the abducted chairman.
The command stated that all available operational resources have been deployed and that close coordination is ongoing among participating security agencies to strengthen the rescue mission. It added that the objective remains the safe recovery of the abducted local government chairman while ensuring that those responsible for the attack are apprehended and brought to justice.
The military further assured the Zamfara State Government and residents that every lawful operational measure is being taken to secure the chairman’s release. It also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, continue their lawful activities and provide credible information through established security channels to assist ongoing operations. The Zamfara chairman abduction has renewed attention on coordinated security operations aimed at tackling terrorist activities across parts of the North West.
