Abducted Zamfara LG chairman, 4 others regain freedom after 61 days in captivity

The abducted Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nura Abdullahi, has regained freedom after 61 days in captivity.

The Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

Abdullahi was abducted by bandits on July 25, 2026, during an attack on his residence in Bungudu town.

Four members of his security detail, two police officers and two local vigilante members, were killed during the gun battle that led to his abduction.

Danja said the chairman and four other victims escaped from the terrorist captivity in the early hours of Thursday.

Danja said the troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, received the victims in the general area of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.

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He stated: “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.”

Danja noted 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 army spokesman said: “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.”