Nigerian defence minister orders intensified anti terror ops

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has directed military forces to intensify counterterrorism operations across northwestern Nigeria following a deadly attack and abduction in Zamfara State. The directive came as security forces confirmed the rescue of five family members of a local government chairman who remains in captivity.

Alhaji Nura Abdullahi, the Council Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area in Zamfara, was abducted from his residence in the early hours of Saturday, July 25, 2026. During the assault, four people were killed, including two police officers serving as the chairman's security detail and a local vigilante. The chairman's elder brother was injured.

In a statement issued on Sunday, July 26, Minister Matawalle condoled with the people of Bungudu Emirate and the Zamfara State Government over the attack. He reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to restoring peace despite a recent escalation of violence in parts of the northwest.

The military's Joint Task Force, Operation Fansan Yamma, reported that troops responded immediately to the attack, engaging the terrorists in a firefight. The confrontation forced the assailants to abandon five...