FIVE soldiers and one police officer were killed yesterday after troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Joint Task Force North West, came under a terrorist ambush along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau Road in Zamfara State.
The attack occurred as the troops were returning from a series of coordinated offensive operations carried out between January 17 and 19 in Birnin Magaji and Anka local government areas of the state.
In a statement issued today, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Captain David Adewusi, said the troops had earlier recorded major successes against terrorist elements through raids, ambushes and fighting patrols across the affected areas.
According to the statement, three suspected terrorists identified as Isiya Kwakwatawa, Ibrahim Dan Musulu and Makau Lamba Goma were arrested during the operations, while four others were neutralised and several fled into nearby forests.
Items recovered included a PKT machine gun, five AK-47 rifles, three magazines, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, Baofeng communication radios and three motorcycles.
Captain Adewusi explained that the ambush occurred when troops of OPFY Combat Team 1 were responding to a distress call over a reprisal attack by terrorists.
He said the troops were attacked at Gidan Wagni while moving toward Kekun Waje.
“Despite the surprise nature of the attack, the troops responded gallantly, engaging the terrorists and preventing further threats to surrounding communities,” he said, confirming that five soldiers and one police officer lost their lives in the encounter.
Following the incident, reinforcements from the OPFY Mobile Strike Team and the 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force, operating from forward bases in Kanoma and Kekun Waje, were deployed to the area.
The counter-operation, led by the Commander of 1 Brigade, reportedly forced the attackers to retreat.
The military said intelligence reports indicated that a notorious bandit leader, Janwuya, and Alhaji Bello, a deputy to Kachalla Soja, sustained serious gunshot injuries during the clash, along with other fleeing terrorists.
Troops, supported by local vigilantes, have since continued pursuit operations in the area, as further clearance and offensive actions remain ongoing.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA assured residents that the situation is under control and reiterated its commitment to restoring peace and protecting lives and property across the joint operations zone.