The Nigerian military has rescued five relatives of the Executive Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nura Abdullahi, following a deadly attack on his residence by suspected terrorists.

The council chairman, however, remains in captivity as security forces intensify efforts to secure his release.

The attack occurred In the early hours of Saturday when heavily armed assailants stormed Abdullahi’s residence, overpowering police officers and local vigilantes assigned to his security before abducting him and several members of his family.

Although troops responded swiftly to the incident, the attackers reportedly fled into nearby bushes with the council chairman before they could be intercepted.

Confirming the development, military authorities said five abducted family members had been rescued, while a coordinated search-and-rescue operation is ongoing to locate and free Abdullahi.

The military also disclosed that the attack claimed the lives of three members of the chairman’s security detail, including two police officers and a local vigilante, who were killed while resisting the attackers.

A civilian was also killed during the assault, while the chairman’s elder brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, sustained injuries.

Security agencies, including troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilante groups, are continuing joint operations to track down the kidnappers and rescue the abducted council chairman.

The latest Incident underscores the persistent security challenges in Zamfara State, where banditry, kidnappings and attacks on communities have continued despite ongoing military operations across the North-West. (The Nation)