Five soldiers and a police officer have been killed after troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Joint Task Force in the North West, were ambushed by terrorists along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau Road in Zamfara State.
The attack occurred on Monday as the troops were returning from a series of offensive operations carried out between January 17 and 19 in Birnin Magaji and Anka areas of the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Captain David Adewusi, said the troops had earlier recorded major successes against terrorist elements through coordinated raids, ambushes and fighting patrols.
According to him, three suspects identified as Isiya Kwakwatawa, Ibrahim Dan Musulu and Makau Lamba Goma were arrested during the operations, while four terrorists were neutralised and others escaped into the forest.
Recovered items included a PKT machine gun, five AK-47 rifles, three AK-47 magazines, several rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, Baofeng radios and three motorcycles.
Captain Adewusi explained that while responding to a distress call over a terrorist reprisal attack, troops of OPFY Combat Team 1 were ambushed at Gidan Wagni while heading towards Kekun Waje.
“Despite the surprise nature of the attack, the troops responded gallantly, engaging the terrorists and preventing further harm to nearby communities,” he said.
He confirmed, however, that five soldiers and one police officer lost their lives during the encounter.
Following the ambush, reinforcements from the OPFY Mobile Strike Team and troops of the 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force from forward operating bases in Kanoma and Kekun Waje were immediately deployed to the area.
The statement said the reinforcement team, led by the Commander of 1 Brigade, launched a strong counter-ambush that forced the terrorists to retreat.
Military sources revealed that during the exchange, a notorious bandit leader known as Janwuya and Alhaji Bello, the deputy to Kachalla Soja, sustained serious gunshot wounds, while several other fleeing terrorists were also injured.
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Troops, working with local vigilantes, have since commenced pursuit operations, with further clearance and offensive actions ongoing across the area.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA assured residents that the situation is under control and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and restoring lasting peace in the region.
The Theatre Commander also condoled with Sector 2 over the loss of personnel and praised the troops for their bravery, sacrifice and professionalism, while urging the public to continue supporting security efforts with timely and credible information.
