Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - Five soldiers and a police officer have been killed following a terrorist ambush on troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Joint Task Force North West, along the Bingin-Kekun Waje-Gusau Roa in Zamfara State.
The incident occurred on Monday, January 19, 2026 while
troops were returning from a series of successful offensive operations in
Birnin Magaji and Anka areas of the state during which three suspects were
arrested, while four terrorists were neutralised.
Media information Officer, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Captain
David Adewusi, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, 20 January said
while responding to a distress call on a terrorist reprisal attack, the troops
were ambushed by terrorists at Gidan Wagni.
“Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Joint Task Force
North West, have demonstrated exceptional bravery, professionalism, and
resilience following a terrorist ambush along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau Road
in Zamfara State on 19 January 2026,” the statement read.
"The
ambush followed a series of successful offensive operations conducted from 17
to 19 January 2026, when troops of Sector 2 OPFY, in conjunction with the OPFY
Mobile Strike Team and DIA Tactical Support Team, carried out coordinated
raids, ambushes, and fighting patrols across Birnin Magaji and Anka areas of
Zamfara State.
"During
these operations, three suspects—Isiya Kwakwatawa, Ibrahim Dan Musulu, and
Makau Lamba Goma—were arrested, while four terrorists were neutralised and
others fled into the forest.
"Items
recovered included 1 PKT machine gun, 5 AK-47 rifles, 3 Ak 47 magazines, other
items are rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, Baofeng radios,3 motorcycles.
"While
returning from these operations and responding to a distress call on terrorist
reprisal attack , troops of OPFY Combat Team 1, came under attack by terrorists
at Gidan Wagni while en route to Kekun Waje.
"Despite
the surprise of the ambush, the troops responded gallantly, engaging the
terrorists and preventing further harm to nearby communities.
"Regrettably,
five soldiers and one police officer paid the supreme sacrifice during the
encounter.
"Upon
receipt of the distress report, the OPFY Mobile Strike Team, in conjunction
with troops of 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force from Forward Operating Bases
Kanoma and Kekun Waje, swiftly mobilised to the scene.
"The
reinforcement was personally led by the Commander 1 Brigade, underscoring the
high level of coordination, and commitment within the operation.
"The
combined force mounted a robust counter-ambush which forced the terrorists to
withdraw, with credible intelligence indicating that notorious bandits kingpin
JANWUYA and ALHAJI BELLO the 2iC to KACHALLA SOJA seriously injured during the
encountered some of the fleeing elements sustained gunshot injuries. Troops,
supported by community vigilantes, subsequently conducted pursuit while further
exploitation and offensive operations continue.
"Operation
FANSAN YAMMA assures the public that the situation is under control and remains
fully committed to protecting lives and properties of innocent citizens while
sustaining pressure on terrorist elements, and restoring lasting peace across
the Joint Operations Area.
"The
Theatre Commander has condoled with commander sector 2 on this loss and further
commended the troops for their courage, sacrifice, and professionalism.
“Additionally
he encouraged members of the public to remain calm and continue to support
ongoing security efforts through timely and credible information.”
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