Troops Repel Terrorist Ambush, Eliminate Scores, Lose 5 Soldiers, Policeman in Zamfara
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Joint Task Force North West, have repelled a deadly terrorist ambush along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau Road in Zamfara State, demonstrating what military authorities described as “exceptional bravery and professionalism” in the face of sustained enemy fire.
The incident occurred on January 19, 2026, as troops of OPFY Combat Team 1 were returning from a series of successful clearance operations and responding to a distress call over a suspected terrorist reprisal attack in the area.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Captain David Adewusi, the ambush followed coordinated offensive operations conducted between January 17 and 19 across Birnin Magaji and Anka local government areas by Sector 2 OPFY, the OPFY Mobile Strike Team, and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) Tactical Support Team.
During the earlier operations, three suspected terrorist collaborators—identified as Isiya Kwakwatawa, Ibrahim Dan Musulu, and Makau Lamba Goma—were arrested, while four terrorists were neutralised. Several others reportedly fled into nearby forests.
Security forces also recovered a cache of weapons and equipment, including one PKT machine gun, five AK-47 rifles, three AK-47 magazines, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, Baofeng communication radios, and three motorcycles believed to have been used by the armed group.
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However, while en route to Kekun Waje, troops came under a surprise attack at Gidan Wagni. The soldiers engaged the terrorists in a fierce exchange of fire, successfully preventing further harm to surrounding communities.
Tragically, the military confirmed that five soldiers and one police officer lost their lives during the encounter.
Following the distress call, the OPFY Mobile Strike Team, supported by the 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force from Forward Operating Bases in Kanoma and Kekun Waje, swiftly moved to the scene. The reinforcement was led by the Commander of 1 Brigade, highlighting what the military described as strong leadership and operational coordination.
The combined forces launched a counter-ambush that forced the terrorists to retreat. Credible intelligence reports indicate that a notorious bandit leader, identified as Janwuya, and Alhaji Bello, the second-in-command to Kachalla Soja, were seriously injured during the confrontation. Several fleeing terrorists were also believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.
Troops, working alongside local community vigilantes, continued pursuit operations as further exploitation and offensive actions remained ongoing at the time of reporting.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA assured residents that the situation in the area is under control and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while maintaining sustained pressure on terrorist and bandit elements across the North West.
The Theatre Commander has extended condolences to the leadership of Sector 2 over the loss of personnel and commended the troops for their courage and sacrifice. Members of the public were also urged to remain calm and continue to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.
By PRNigeria
