Jelili Gbadamosi
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued five family members of the abducted Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nura Umar Abdullahi, after terrorists attacked his residence, while security forces continue efforts to secure his freedom.
The rescue was confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday by Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
According to Danja, the rescued victims include the chairman’s wife, two children, his mother and another relative.
He said troops swiftly responded after hearing gunshots and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing the terrorists to abandon the five family members as they fled.
However, the assailants escaped with the council chairman into nearby bushes.
Danja disclosed that three members of the chairman’s security detail, comprising two police officers and a local vigilante, were killed during the attack, while a civilian also lost his life.
He added that the chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, sustained injuries during the incident.
The military spokesman said a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilantes is ongoing to locate and rescue the abducted chairman.
He assured the Zamfara State Government and residents that all available operational resources had been deployed to ensure Abdullahi’s safe release.
The Theatre Command also urged members of the public to remain calm and provide credible information through established security channels to support the ongoing operation.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, pledging to work with other security agencies until the council chairman is rescued and those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.
