24th September, 2026 | News

Bungudu Council Chairman, Four Others Escape Terrorist Captivity in Zamfara

The Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nura Umar Abdullahi, and four other kidnapping victims have escaped from terrorist captivity and been received by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

The five victims reportedly regained their freedom in the early hours of Thursday in the general area of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt Col Aliyu Danja, the victims escaped during an intelligence-led military operation targeting a suspected terrorist location.

Bungudu Chairman Escapes After Months in Captivity

Abdullahi was abducted from his residence in Bungudu town in July 2026 following an attack on his residence.

The latest statement from the military said troops deployed in the area received and secured the council chairman and the four other victims after they escaped from captivity.

The five victims were subsequently provided with security cover and evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment, evaluation and routine debriefing.

Victims Undergo Medical Assessment

Lt Col Danja said the victims were responding to treatment and undergoing further assessment following their recovery.

The military also disclosed that one of the five victims had already been reunited with their family.

Arrangements were reportedly being made to reunite the remaining victims with their families and the Zamfara State Government.

The Theatre Command said the victims would continue to receive necessary support as part of the process following their return from captivity.

Military Commends Victims for Resilience

The Theatre Command commended the victims for their courage and determination in regaining their freedom after what it described as a prolonged period in captivity.

It also praised the troops who received and secured the victims after their escape.

The command described the development as a welcome relief for the victims’ families, residents of Bungudu Local Government Area and people across Zamfara State.

Security Operations Continue Across Zamfara

The development comes as security forces continue operations against terrorist and bandit activities in Zamfara and other parts of Nigeria’s North-West.

According to the Joint Task Force, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA will continue clearance and dominance operations aimed at disrupting terrorist activities and protecting communities.

The military also said it remained committed to efforts to secure the return of other people who may still be held captive or reported missing.

Earlier Attack on Bungudu Chairman’s Residence

The abduction of Abdullahi was earlier reported to have occurred during a late-night attack on his residence in the Zango area of Bungudu town.

According to residents cited in the original report, the attackers engaged security personnel in a gun battle before abducting the council chairman.

Four security personnel, reportedly including two police officers and two vigilantes, were said to have been killed during the attack.

The latest development marks the return of Abdullahi and four other victims after their period in captivity.