The abducted Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area in Zamfara, Nura Abdullahi has regained freedom after 61 days in captivity.
This is contained in a statement by Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in Gusau, Zamfara on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Abdullahi was abducted by armed bandits on July 25, 2026, during an attack on his residence in Bungudu town.
NAN reports that four members of his security detail, two police officers and two local vigilante members were killed during the initial gun battle that led to his abduction.
Danja said that the chairman and four other victims escaped from the terrorist captivity in the early hours of Thursday.
According to him, troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, received and secured the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Hon. Nura Umar Abdullahi, and four other kidnap victims who escaped from terrorists’ captivity in the early hours of Thursday, 24 September 2026, in the general area of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
“Hon. Nura Umar Abdullahi was abducted from his residence in Bungudu town in July 2026, an incident on which the Theatre Command had earlier issued a statement.
“The victims escaped in the course of an intelligence-led operation by troops against a suspected terrorists’ location in the general area, and were received by troops deployed in the vicinity.
“They were provided with security cover and evacuated to a military medical facility, where they are responding to treatment and undergoing evaluation and routine debriefing,” he said.
Danja explained that one of the victims had since been reunited with his family, and arrangements are being made for the safe reunion of the others with their families and the Zamfara State Government, respectively.
“The Theatre Command commends the courage, resilience and determination of the victims in regaining their freedom after a prolonged period in captivity.
” It also commends the troops for their vigilance and professionalism in receiving and securing them.”
He assured that the Troops would sustain clearance and dominance operations across the general area to disrupt terrorist activities and protect communities.
He said that troops remained committed to securing the safe return of other persons still held or missing.
“The Theatre Command urges members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the nearest military or other security agencies,” Danja said. (NAN)
