Zamfara LG Chairman Abducted as Two Policemen, Vigilante Killed in Terrorist Attack

Armed terrorists have abducted the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nura Abdullahi, after attacking his residence in the early hours of Saturday, killing two police officers, a local vigilante and a civilian.

The Nigerian military said troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded immediately to the attack, rescued five members of the chairman's family and have launched a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies to secure his release.

The incident is the latest in a string of attacks targeting public officials and communities across Zamfara State, where armed groups continue to carry out kidnappings, killings and raids despite sustained military operations.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North West), Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the attackers overwhelmed the chairman's security detail before abducting him.

According to the military, troops deployed to the area immediately after hearing gunfire and pursued the fleeing gunmen, leading to an exchange of fire.

"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," Danja said.

He added that the military's rapid response forced the attackers to abandon five members of the chairman's family.

"Troops' prompt intervention forced the terrorists to abandon five of the chairman's family members, comprising two of his children, mother, wife and relatives, who were successfully rescued."

Despite the pursuit, the attackers escaped into nearby bushes with the council chairman.

The military confirmed that members of the chairman's security detail were killed while attempting to repel the attackers.

Those killed include two police officers and a local vigilante operative.

A civilian also lost his life during the attack, while the chairman's elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, sustained injuries.

"Sadly, the attack claimed the lives of members of the Chairman's security detail, including two policemen and one 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 said.

Following the attack, the Theatre Command activated a joint search-and-rescue mission involving troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilante groups.

The military said security forces are conducting targeted operations around suspected terrorist hideouts in an effort to rescue the abducted chairman safely.

According to the command, all available operational resources have been deployed to the mission.

It assured the Zamfara State Government and residents that every lawful effort would be made to secure the chairman's release and apprehend those responsible.

The military also appealed to residents to remain calm and continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies through established reporting channels.

Zamfara remains one of the states most affected by armed banditry and mass kidnappings in Nigeria's North-West.

In recent years, terrorists operating across forested areas spanning Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Niger and Sokoto states have frequently targeted rural communities, travellers, traditional rulers and government officials for ransom.

The Federal Government has intensified military operations in the region through Operation FANSAN YAMMA, alongside coordinated intelligence-driven missions involving the police, DSS and other security agencies.

Despite these efforts, security experts continue to stress that sustained intelligence gathering, improved inter-agency coordination and stronger community collaboration remain essential to dismantling criminal networks operating across the North-West.