By Matthew Otabe
The Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Hon. Nura Umar Abdullahi, and four other kidnap victims have escaped from terrorists’ captivity and been rescued by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
The victims regained their freedom in the early hours of Thursday, September 24, 2026, in the general area of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, the victims were received and secured by troops deployed in the area.
Abdullahi was abducted from his residence in Bungudu town in July 2026, an incident which the Theatre Command had earlier confirmed.
The statement said the victims escaped during an intelligence-led military operation targeting a suspected terrorist location in the area.
“Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have 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,” the statement said.
The victims were provided with security cover and evacuated to a military medical facility, where they are receiving treatment, undergoing medical evaluation and routine debriefing.
One of the victims has already been reunited with his family, while arrangements are underway to reunite the remaining victims with their families and the Zamfara State Government.
The Theatre Command commended the victims for their courage, resilience and determination in regaining their freedom after spending a prolonged period in captivity.
It also praised the troops for their vigilance and professionalism in securing the victims, describing their return as a relief to their families and residents of Bungudu Local Government Area and Zamfara State.
The command said troops would sustain clearance and dominance operations across the area to disrupt terrorist activities, protect communities and facilitate the safe return of other persons still being held or reported missing.
The Theatre Command also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the nearest military formation or other security agencies to support ongoing operations against terrorists in the region.
