The Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Hon. Nura Umar Abdullahi, and four other kidnap victims have regained their freedom after escaping from a terrorist hideout during a military offensive by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
The victims reportedly fled their captors in the early hours of Thursday as soldiers advanced on a suspected terrorist enclave in the Kaura Namoda area following credible intelligence.
A statement by the military said troops conducting the operation quickly located the five escapees, secured them and moved them to safety.
According to the statement, all five victims were placed under military protection before being taken to a medical facility for treatment, routine health checks and debriefing.
The military disclosed that one of the rescued victims has already been reunited with family members, while arrangements are being finalised to hand over the remaining four victims to their families and the Zamfara State Government.
Abdullahi was kidnapped from his residence in Bungudu town in July, an incident that drew widespread concern and underscored the persistent security challenges facing several communities in Zamfara State.
The military said information expected from the rescued victims could support ongoing operations against terrorist groups by helping security agencies identify the location of camps, understand the movement of armed gangs and gather intelligence on other victims still in captivity.
Authorities, however, did not disclose the identities of the other four rescued victims or provide additional details about the terrorist camp targeted during the operation.
The command commended the courage shown by the victims throughout their period in captivity and praised the troops for their professionalism and vigilance, which ensured their safe recovery.
It reaffirmed that Operation FANSAN YAMMA would continue sustained clearance and dominance operations across Zamfara and other troubled areas in the North-West to dismantle terrorist networks, deny criminal groups safe havens and improve security for residents.
The military also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community support remains critical to rescuing kidnapped victims and tracking down terrorists.
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