Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued five family members of the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nura Umar Abdullahi after a terrorist attack on his residence while efforts are ongoing to secure his release.

It had earlier reported that the council chairman was kidnapped after armed terrorists raided his residence in the early hours of Saturday, killing members of his security detail in the attack.

The latest development was in a statement on Saturday by Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

The statement says the rescued victims include two children of the chairman, his wife, mother and another relation.

Troops responded immediately after hearing the gunshots and exchanged fire with the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing the terrorists to abandon the five family members during a hot pursuit, Danja said.

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But he said the terrorists fled with the council chairman into the bush surrounding the area.

The military spokesman said that the attack killed three members of the chairman’s security detail, two police officers and a local vigilante, and also killed a civilian.

The chairman’s older brother, Alhaji Bello Umar, was wounded in the attack, he said.

The statement said the Theatre Command has mobilized a joint search and rescue operation with troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, DSS, and local vigilantes to locate and rescue the abducted chairman.

The command said that all operational resources available have been mobilized for the ongoing operation and assured the Zamfara State Government and residents that all lawful measures are being taken to secure the safe release of the chairman.

It asked members of the public to stay calm and give credible information via established security channels that could assist the ongoing rescue operation.

The Theatre Command re-affirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and assured that it would continue to collaborate with other security agencies until the abducted council chairman is rescued and the perpetrators of the attack are brought to justice.

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Eighty-five All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly candidates from Zamfara State who were rejected during the party’s screening process met with Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defense.

It is understood that Matawalle’s home in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, served as the meeting location.

In preparation for the 2027 general elections, it was called as part of the APC’s efforts at reconciliation.

Matawalle advised the candidates to maintain composure, unity, and dedication to the party’s advancement regardless of the results of the screening procedure.

He gave them the assurance that their problems had not been disregarded and that action was being taken to resolve them.

He claims that the APC is still a party that prioritizes justice, fairness, and equal opportunity for each and every one of its members.

In response to the aspirants’ concerns, Matawalle stated that the National Working Committee of the party was already examining petitions filed by members who felt wronged.

He urged the candidates to wait patiently and let the party leadership finish the procedure.

The former governor of Zamfara State stated that internal disputes shouldn’t be let to undermine the APC in the state, particularly as the 2027 election preparations gain traction.

He pointed out that for the party to succeed, member unity would be essential.

Sulaiman Shu’aibu Shinkafi headed the group of candidates, who thanked Matawalle for meeting them.

His action, they said, was an indication of his leadership and dedication to maintaining harmony within the party.

The group also praised the minister for what they described as his efforts to foster unity among APC members in Zamfara State.

In response, Matawalle praised the candidates for their behavior and determination to stick with the party despite their complaints.

Their unity and maturity, he said, were heartening.

According to the minister, their willingness to contribute to the APC’s triumph shown that they put the party’s interests ahead of their own disappointment.

Matawalle added that the federal government was stepping up its efforts to combat insecurity across the nation.

He especially cited banditry in the North-West and insurgency in the North-East as significant security issues that need to be addressed.

According to the minister, the government is still dedicated to bringing stability and peace back to the impacted neighborhoods.

The gathering was a component of continuing discussions meant to improve the APC’s internal unity in Zamfara State.

APC State Secretary Ibrahim Maigandi, APC Auditor Yusuf Idris Gusau, past Speakers of the Zamfara State House of Assembly Bature Umar Sambo and Nasiru Mu’azu Magarya, and former Deputy Governor Mukhtar Ahmad Anka were also in attendance.

The gathering was attended by stakeholders from other parties.

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Troops of 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with 1 Brigade Combat Team and Tactical Combat Support elements have launched an offensive operation against suspected terrorists in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State

The statement was made on X by a counter-insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama.

He said the operation which began at about 9:00 a.m. on May 4 was targeting identified terrorist enclaves in the villages of Kamara, Dan Gwandi, Manawa and Katsira.

During the operation, the troops came in contact with the terrorists at the Katsira village and exchanged fire. The offensive killed a number of terrorists.

The security expert also said that three soldiers sustained gunshot wounds in action during the encounter and are receiving medical attention.

“The terrorists however were forced to withdraw from the area, retreating towards the Fakai high ground under sustained military pressure.

He said troops are holding the area and efforts are underway to catch up with and deny the fleeing elements freedom of movement.

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Bandits have attacked the Yankuzo community in the Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State in revenge for a military operation that targeted their hideouts. They set fire to the palace of the district head, Babangida Hamza, and stole things just hours after the attack.

The attackers, said to be led by someone named Mai Rasha, stormed the community on Tuesday afternoon, firing randomly as they moved forward and then burning down the home of the traditional ruler.

Hamza told reporters that “They rode in shooting and went straight to my palace and burned it.” He confirmed that he was not home when the attack happened. He also said that his family members had been safely evacuated before the attackers got there.

The district head says that armed groups in the area have repeatedly marked him as a target. He said that he had to move before because of threats, and six months ago he was kidnapped because of supposed ties to security operatives.

Residents said the gunmen stayed in the area for several hours, until about 3:30 p.m., when they went on a coordinated looting spree, stealing food and valuables from homes and stores.

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During an encounter with the convoy of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 of “Operation Fansan Yamma” in Tsafe local government area of Zamfara State, troops and escaping insurgents engaged in a fierce battle that reportedly resulted in the deaths of one soldier and several terrorists.

The event occurred on Monday, April 6, 2026, at approximately 4:30 p.m., while the GOC was returning from an operational visit to evaluate the security situation and troops stationed at Kulchin Kalgo and the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Danjibga.

According to security officials who confirmed the occurrence to Leadership, the convoy allegedly came into contact with militants who were fleeing near Maitashi village, leading to a gunfight.

One of the soldiers who was shot during the battle was evacuated to Keta Healthcare Center, where he was subsequently pronounced dead. Meanwhile, troops neutralized a number of the attackers and recovered weapons, ammo, and motorcycles.

The convoy proceeded to Gusau after troops cleared the area, and operations in the axis are still ongoing.

Thousands of people displaced by bandit attacks are starting to return to their towns, according to the Nigeria Police Force’s Zamfara State command, which has reported a notable improvement in security conditions throughout the state.

According to the police, the development came about as a result of increased cooperation between important state entities and ongoing security operations.

Yazid Abubakar, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, credited the advancement to the state administration, the judiciary, and security agencies working together.

He claims that restoring order has been greatly aided by the swift prosecution of alleged bandits and their informants.

According to Abubakar, the police used a tactic of consulting local authorities before sending mobile police officers to regions that had been abandoned.

According to him, the strategy encouraged displaced residents to return and start over by helping to restore confidence.

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Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has been welcomed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) by Minister of State for Defense Bello Matawalle.

With APC flags flying at Government House, Lawal allegedly defected to the ruling party on Monday, which was represented by the deputy governor and members of the state executive council.

Matawalle characterized the event as a pivotal point in the state’s and the nation’s political history in a statement posted on his X account.

He said that the governor’s decision to join the APC will improve group efforts to deal with the state’s problems, especially insecurity.

Matawalle claims that the development would further President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” program.

“As we welcome a friend and brother, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency Dauda Lawal, into our great party, the APC, today marks a historic moment in the political history of our state and our dear nation,” he declared.

Matawalle described Lawal’s defection as a political reunion and stated that politics should be viewed as a way to foster togetherness rather than divide.

In addition, he expressed optimism that the party would cooperate to win the 2027 Nigerian general elections and urged party members to band together.

He declared, “As a progressive, I will support Governor Dauda Lawal in pursuing our collective vision for a more secure and prosperous Zamfara State.”

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