Five soldiers and a police officer were killed on Monday when troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Joint Task Force North West, were ambushed by terrorists along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau Road in Zamfara State.

The attack occurred as the troops were returning from a series of offensive operations carried out between 17 and 19 January in Birnin Magaji and Anka areas of the state, during which the military recorded arrests and seizures.

In a statement issued on Tuesday via its official X handle, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Captain David Adewusi, said the troops had earlier achieved operational successes 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 killed and others fled into the forest.

Items recovered included one PKT machine gun, five AK-47 rifles, three AK-47 magazines, several rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, Baofeng radios and three motorcycles, the statement said.

Captain Adewusi explained that the fatal ambush occurred while troops of OPFY Combat Team 1 were responding to a distress call over a terrorist reprisal attack. He said the troops were attacked at Gidan Wagni while moving 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, confirming that “five soldiers and one police officer paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter.”

Following the attack, the OPFY Mobile Strike Team and troops of the 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force from Forward Operating Bases in Kanoma and Kekun Waje were deployed to the area.

Adewusi said the reinforcement, which was led by the Commander 1 Brigade, mounted a counter-ambush that forced the terrorists to withdraw.
Citing credible intelligence, the military said a known bandit kingpin, Janwuya, and Alhaji Bello, identified as the second-in-command to Kachalla Soja, sustained serious gunshot injuries during the encounter, while other fleeing terrorists were also wounded.

Troops, supported by local vigilantes, subsequently launched pursuit operations, with further exploitation and offensive actions continuing across the area.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA said the situation was under control and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the Joint Operations Area. “The Theatre Commander has condoled with the Commander Sector 2 on the loss and commended the troops for their courage, sacrifice and professionalism,” Adewusi said.

He urged residents to remain calm and continue to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information.