Five Soldiers, Policeman die as troops repel terrorist attack in Zamfara

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA under the Joint Task Force North West have repelled a terrorist ambush along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau Road in Zamfara State, but the operation claimed the lives of five soldiers and one police officer.

The incident occurred on January 19, 2026, according to a statement released on Tuesday by Captain David Adewusi, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

Captain Adewusi explained that the ambush came after a series of coordinated offensive operations carried out between January 17 and 19 by Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the OPFY Mobile Strike Team, and the Defence Intelligence Agency Tactical Support Team.

The operations were aimed at terrorist hideouts located in Birnin Magaji and Anka areas of Zamfara State.

He said the troops had earlier recorded successes during the clearance operations before the terrorists attempted to retaliate with the ambush along the highway.

Despite the attack, the security forces were able to repel the terrorists and restore movement along the road, while efforts continue to sustain pressure on criminal elements operating in the area.

During the operations, three suspects – Isiya Kwakwatawa, Ibrahim Dan Musulu, and Makau Lamba Goma – were arrested, while four terrorists were neutralised.

Security forces also recovered one PKT machine gun, five AK-47 rifles with magazines, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, Baofeng radios, and three motorcycles.

While responding to a distress call on a suspected terrorist reprisal attack at Gidan Wagni, troops of OPFY Combat Team 1 came under fire.

The statement noted that despite the ambush, soldiers engaged the terrorists and prevented further harm to nearby communities.

Reinforcements from the OPFY Mobile Strike Team and the 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force, led by the Commander of 1 Brigade from Forward Operating Bases Kanoma and Kekun Waje, swiftly moved to the scene.

The combined forces mounted a counter-ambush, forcing the terrorists to withdraw. Intelligence indicates that notorious bandit kingpin Janwuya and his deputy, Alhaji Bello (2iC to Kachalla Soja), were seriously injured, while other fleeing elements sustained gunshot wounds.

Pursuit operations, supported by community vigilantes, are ongoing.

The Theatre Commander condoled with the Sector 2 commander over the loss of personnel and commended the troops for their courage, sacrifice, and professionalism.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA reassured the public that the situation is under control and urged citizens to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information.

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