Bandits Abduct Zamfara LG Chairman, Kill Four Security Operatives

Bandits Abduct Zamfara LG Chairman, Kill Four Security Operatives

Suspected bandits have abducted the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Hon. Nura Umar Bungudu (also known as Nura Abdullahi), following a deadly night attack on his residence that claimed the lives of four security operatives. The incident occurred around 11:40 p.m. on Thursday when heavily armed gunmen reportedly invaded Bungudu town, located less than 20 kilometres from the Zamfara State capital, Gusau, and headed directly to the council chairman’s residence in the Zango area. The attackers, who came in large numbers and were equipped with sophisticated weapons, overwhelmed the security personnel stationed at the residence before abducting the chairman and members of his family, leaving the community in shock and fear.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the security team mounted a resistance but was unable to repel the attackers because of the superior firepower deployed by the gunmen. The victims have been identified as Inspector Basiru Lawal, Police Constable Hamza Muhammad, and two vigilantes, Nura ADC and Ibrahim Baare, all of whom lost their lives in the line of duty. Additionally, Bello Abdullahi, a former treasurer in the state Ministry of Finance, sustained injuries during the raid and is currently receiving medical treatment. “The bandits came into the town determined to carry out their mission. The chairman’s security team put up resistance, but they were outgunned,” the resident said. “They killed two policemen and two vigilantes, including one volunteer vigilante who had been actively helping to protect the town from bandit attacks,” he added, highlighting the bravery of the fallen security personnel.

According to the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, troops’ prompt intervention forced the terrorists to abandon five of the chairman’s family members, comprising two of his children, his mother, wife, and a relative, who were successfully rescued from the clutches of the abductors. However, the terrorists narrowly escaped into the surrounding bushes with the chairman, leaving behind the rescued family members who were taken to a safe location for medical evaluation and debriefing. “They kidnapped the chairman along with his wife and children, but security personnel later rescued some of the children. Unfortunately, the chairman was taken away,” the resident said, expressing relief that at least some family members were saved while lamenting the chairman’s continued captivity.

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Beyond the chairman and his family, the gunmen also abducted Halliru Soja, a staff member of the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, and Hussaini Naira, a POS operator, during the same attack, bringing the total number of abductees to at least three individuals in addition to the chairman. Security operatives who responded to the incident pursued the gunmen and reportedly rescued several of the children, but the chairman and the other abductees remain in captivity, with their whereabouts still unknown. The abduction of multiple individuals has heightened anxiety in the community, with residents fearing further attacks and calling on the government to take decisive action.

Following the incident, the Theatre Command activated a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes, demonstrating a multi-agency approach to addressing the security crisis. Security forces are currently conducting deliberate operations at the suspected location of the terrorists, aimed at safely rescuing the abducted chairman and other victims, with intelligence gathering and tactical manoeuvres underway. The Theatre Command has deployed all available resources in the ongoing operation and remains in close coordination with participating security agencies to ensure a swift and successful outcome. The Command assures the Government and people of Zamfara State that every lawful and operational measure is being taken to achieve a successful outcome, urging patience and cooperation from the public. Despite the mobilisation of reinforcement teams, they arrived after the attackers had already escaped, underscoring the challenges security forces face in responding to such rapid and well-coordinated attacks. “The security personnel tried their best, but by the time reinforcements got there, the bandits had already executed their plan and escaped,” the resident said, acknowledging the difficulties security forces encounter in combating banditry.

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The resident attributed the recurring attacks in the area to the sophisticated weapons allegedly possessed by the bandits and the activities of informants who aid their operations, pointing to a well-organised criminal network operating in the region. “They don’t give any warning before attacking. They come heavily armed and in large numbers. Despite the efforts of security forces, they still managed to escape with the chairman,” he added, expressing frustration at the bandits’ ability to evade capture. He called on the government and security agencies to improve security across Bungudu and other vulnerable communities in Zamfara State, emphasising the urgent need for enhanced protection. “Our people resisted alongside the security forces, but the bandits overpowered them. They carry sophisticated weapons that ordinary people cannot match. We appeal to the authorities to do more to protect lives and property,” he said, speaking on behalf of a community that has endured repeated attacks.

Bungudu LGA, located about 21 kilometres from the state capital, Gusau, is frequently targeted by bandits who kidnap for ransom and attack security outposts, making it one of the hotspots of insecurity in Zamfara State. In April, armed bandits riding more than 50 motorcycles invaded Yarkatsinan Laka, a village in the area, attacking a local security outpost and a clinic, killing two police officers, two health workers, and a patient, demonstrating the persistent threat facing the community. The latest abduction of the council chairman underscores the audacity of the bandits and the urgent need for a comprehensive security strategy to address the root causes of banditry in the state. The Theatre Command has appealed to members of the public to remain calm, continue with their lawful activities and provide credible information through established security channels that may assist the ongoing operation, emphasising the importance of community cooperation in the fight against insecurity. “The Theatre remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property and will continue working with sister security agencies until the abducted chairman is safely reunited with his family and the perpetrators are brought to justice,” the statement concluded, reaffirming the commitment of security forces to ending the scourge of banditry in Zamfara State. Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Zamfara State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, were not returned at the time of this report, leaving the public awaiting further official updates on the ongoing rescue operation.

Bandits Abduct Zamfara LG Chairman, Kill Four Security Operatives