Gunmen have ambushed security forces in Zamfara State, killing five soldiers and one police officer along the Bingi-Kekun Waje-Gusau Road.
The attack occurred on Monday after troops of Operation Fansan Yamma concluded a three-day security operation across Birnin Magaji and Anka local government areas of the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, David Adewusi, media information officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, said the troops had earlier arrested three suspects and neutralised four terrorists during the operation.
Adewusi explained that while the troops were heading towards Kekun Waje to respond to a distress call, they were ambushed by terrorists at Gidan Wagni.
“Despite the surprise of the ambush, the troops responded gallantly, engaging the terrorists and preventing further harm to nearby communities,” he said.
“Regrettably, five soldiers and one police officer paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter.”
He added that following the attack, the Operation Fansan Yamma Mobile Strike Team, alongside troops of the 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force from the Forward Operating Bases in Kanoma and Kekun Waje, swiftly mobilised to the area.
According to him, the reinforcement was personally led by the Commander of 1 Brigade, highlighting the level of coordination and commitment within the operation.
“The combined force mounted a robust counter-ambush, forcing the terrorists to withdraw. Credible intelligence indicates that notorious bandit kingpins Janwuya and Alhaji Bello, the second-in-command to Kachalla Soja, were seriously injured during the encounter, while several fleeing bandits sustained gunshot wounds,” Adewusi said.