BANDITS ABDUCT ZAMFARA LG CHAIRMAN, KILL SECURITY OPERATIVES

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

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 assault reportedly claimed the lives of members of the chairman’s security team, including police officers and local vigilantes, after a gun battle with the attackers.

Residents said the heavily armed bandits stormed Bungudu town before heading directly to the chairman’s residence, where they engaged security personnel in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

A local resident, Abdullahi Na Allah Said, said the attackers abducted the council chairman along with several members of his family before fleeing into the forest.

“They kidnapped him together with his wife and children and took them into the forest,” he said.

Despite resistance from security personnel assigned to the chairman, the attackers succeeded in carrying out the abduction.

Troops Rescue Family Members

Meanwhile, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have launched an operation to rescue the abducted chairman.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Joint Task Force (North West) spokesperson, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, said the terrorists overwhelmed the chairman’s security team before abducting him and members of his family.

He explained that troops responded after hearing gunfire and engaged the attackers, forcing them to abandon five members of the chairman’s family.

Those rescued include two children, the chairman’s wife, his mother and another relative.

However, the attackers escaped into nearby bushes with the council chairman.

According to the military, the attack resulted in the deaths of two police officers, one local vigilante and a civilian.

The chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, also sustained injuries during the attack.

Following the incident, security agencies activated a coordinated search-and-rescue mission involving troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilante groups.

Security operatives are currently combing suspected terrorist hideouts in an effort to secure the chairman’s release.

The military said all available operational resources had been deployed and assured the Zamfara State Government and residents that every lawful effort was being made to rescue the abducted chairman safely.

Authorities also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and provide credible intelligence that could support the ongoing operation.