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Bandits have abducted the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nura Abdullahi, after attacking his residence in the early hours of Saturday.
The attackers also killed members of the chairman’s security detail before fleeing with him.
Residents said the gunmen stormed Bungudu town in large numbers before heading to the chairman’s residence, where they engaged security personnel in a gun battle.
An indigene, Abdullahi Na Allah Said, said the assailants abducted the council chairman alongside his wife and children before fleeing into the forest.
He said security personnel attached to the residence resisted the attack but were unable to stop the abduction.
According to him, two police officers and two local vigilantes were killed during the exchange of gunfire.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Joint Task Force, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Media Information Officer, Aliyu Danja, the task force said the attackers overpowered the chairman’s police and vigilante escorts before abducting him and members of his family.
THEATRE COMMAND OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA INTENSIFIES EFFORTS TO RESCUE ABDUCTED BUNGUDU LGA CHAIRMAN
In the early hours of today, 25 July 2026, armed terrorists attacked the residence of the Executive Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area, Zamfara State, Honourable Nura Umar… pic.twitter.com/e2SffYYcJd
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) July 25, 2026
The statement said troops responded after hearing gunfire and engaged the attackers, forcing them to abandon five members of the chairman’s family, including two children, his mother, wife and another relative, who were rescued.
It said the gunmen escaped into nearby bushes with the council chairman.
The military said two police officers, one local vigilante and a civilian were killed during the attack, while the chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, sustained injuries.
“In the early hours of today, 25 July 2026, armed terrorists attacked the residence of the Executive Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area, Zamfara State, Honourable Nura Umar Abdullahi, abducting him and members of his family after overpowering his police and vigilante detail.
“On hearing gunshots, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded immediately and swiftly moved to the scene where they engaged in hot pursuit of the terrorists leading to a fierce exchange of fire. Troops’ prompt intervention forced the terrorists to abandon 5 of the Chairman’s family members comprising 2 of his children, mother, wife and his relatives, who were successfully rescued.
“However, the terrorists narrowly escaped into surrounding bushes with the Chairman. Sadly, the attack claimed the lives of members of the Chairman’s security detail, including 2 policemen and 1 local vigilante who gallantly resisted the attackers. Also, a civilian was killed while the Chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar was injured during the attack,”the statement read.
The theatre command said it had launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and local vigilantes.
Security forces are currently conducting operations at suspected terrorist hideouts to secure the chairman’s release.
The command said all available resources had been deployed for the operation and assured the Zamfara State Government and residents that every lawful measure was being taken to rescue the abducted chairman safely.
“Following the incident, the Theatre Command activated a coordinated search and rescue operation involving troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilante. Security forces are currently conducting deliberate operations at the suspected location of the terrorists, aimed at safely rescuing the abducted Chairman.
“The Theatre Command has deployed all available resources in the ongoing operation and remains in close coordination with participating security agencies. The Theatre Command assures the Government and people of Zamfara State that every lawful and operational measure is being taken to achieve a successful outcome,” it added.
It also urged residents to remain calm, continue their lawful activities and provide credible intelligence through established security channels to support the ongoing operation.
