Troops Repel Terrorist ∆mbush In Zamfara, N£utralise Bandits, Rec0ver Arms
Troops Repel Terrorist Ambush In Zamfara, Neutralise Bandits, Recover Arms
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Joint Task Force North West, have demonstrated exceptional bravery and professionalism in responding to a deadly terrorist ambush along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau Road in Zamfara State.
The incident occurred on January 19, 2026, following a series of successful offensive operations conducted between January 17 and 19 across Birnin Magaji and Anka areas of the state. The operations were jointly executed by Sector 2 OPFY, the OPFY Mobile Strike Team, and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) Tactical Support Team.
During the coordinated raids and fighting patrols, troops arrested three suspects identified as Isiya Kwakwatawa, Ibrahim Dan Musulu, and Makau Lamba Goma. Four terrorists were also neutralised, while others fled into surrounding forests. Recovered items included one PKT machine gun, five AK-47 rifles, three AK-47 magazines, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, Baofeng radios, and three motorcycles.
While returning from the operation and responding to a distress call on a reported terrorist reprisal attack, OPFY Combat Team 1 came under sudden ambush at Gidan Wagni en route to Kekun Waje. Despite the surprise attack, the troops engaged the assailants and prevented further harm to nearby communities. Sadly, five soldiers and one police officer lost their lives in the encounter.
Reinforcements from the OPFY Mobile Strike Team and the 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force, operating from Forward Operating Bases in Kanoma and Kekun Waje, were swiftly deployed. The response was personally led by the Commander of 1 Brigade, highlighting the high level of coordination within the operation.
The combined force mounted a robust counter-ambush, forcing the terrorists to withdraw. Credible intelligence reports indicate that a notorious bandit kingpin known as Janwuya and Alhaji Bello, the second-in-command to Kachalla Soja, were seriously injured during the exchange. Several fleeing bandits were also believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.
Troops, supported by community vigilantes, have continued pursuit operations in the affected areas as further exploitation and clearance missions remain ongoing.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA has assured the public that the situation is under control and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while sustaining pressure on terrorist elements across the Joint Operations Area.
The Theatre Commander has condoled with the leadership of Sector 2 over the loss of personnel and commended the troops for their courage, sacrifice, and professionalism. Members of the public were also urged to remain calm and continue to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information.
