Armed terrorists stormed the residence of the Executive Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area, Zamfara State, Honourable Nura Umar Abdullahi, in the early hours of Saturday, abducting him and several members of his family after overpowering his police and vigilante security detail, the Nigerian Army has said.
Troops of Theatre Command Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded immediately after hearing gunshots, moving swiftly to the scene and engaging the attackers in a fierce exchange of fire. Their prompt intervention forced the terrorists to abandon five of the chairman’s family members — two of his children, his mother, his wife, and a relative — who were successfully rescued.
The terrorists, however, escaped into surrounding bushes with the chairman still in their custody.
The attack claimed several lives, including two policemen and a local vigilante who resisted the assailants. A civilian was also killed, while the chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, sustained injuries.
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 in an effort to safely rescue the chairman.
The Theatre Command said it has deployed all available resources to the operation and remains in close coordination with participating security agencies. It assured the Zamfara State Government and residents that every lawful and operational measure is being taken to achieve a successful outcome.
The Command appealed to members of the public to remain calm, continue 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,” the statement said.
