Troops Repel Terrorist Ambush, Kill Four in Zamfara

Troops of Operation Fasan Yamma (OPFY) under the Joint Task Force North West have demonstrated resilience and professionalism after repelling a terrorist ambush along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau Road in Zamfara State on January 19, 2026.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of OPFY, Captain David Adewusi, and made available to journalists in Gusau.

According to the statement, the ambush occurred after a series of successful offensive operations carried out between January 17 and 19, 2026. During the period, troops of Sector 2 OPFY, working alongside the OPFY Mobile Strike Team and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) Tactical Support Team, conducted coordinated raids, ambushes and fighting patrols across Birnin Magaji and Anka local government areas of the state.

The operations led to the arrest of three suspects identified as Isiya Kwakwatawa, Ibrahim Dan Musulu, and Makau Lamba Goma, while four terrorists were neutralised and several others fled into the forest.

Items recovered from the operations included one PKT machine gun, five AK-47 rifles, three AK-47 magazines, quantities of 7.62mm special ammunition, Baofeng radios, and three motorcycles.

The statement further revealed that while troops of OPFY Combat Team 1 were returning from the operations and responding to a distress call over a terrorist reprisal attack, they were ambushed at Gidan Wagni while heading towards Kekun Waje.

“Despite the surprise attack, the troops responded gallantly, engaging the terrorists and preventing further harm to surrounding communities. Unfortunately, five soldiers and one police officer paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter,” the statement said.

Following the distress report, the OPFY Mobile Strike Team, supported by troops of the 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force from Forward Operating Bases in Kanoma and Kekun Waje, swiftly mobilised to the scene. The reinforcement was personally led by the Commander, 1 Brigade, highlighting the level of coordination within the operation.

The combined forces subsequently launched a counter-ambush, forcing the terrorists to retreat. Credible intelligence, according to the statement, indicated that notorious bandit leaders Janwuya and Alhaji Bello, the second-in-command to Kachalla Soja, sustained serious injuries during the encounter, while other fleeing elements suffered gunshot wounds.

Troops, supported by community vigilantes, have since carried out pursuit operations, with further exploitation and offensive actions ongoing.

Operation Fasan Yamma assured residents that the situation is under control and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, sustaining pressure on terrorist elements, and restoring lasting peace across the Joint Operations Area.

The Theatre Commander also condoled with the Commander of Sector 2 over the losses recorded and commended the troops for their courage, sacrifice and professionalism, while urging members of the public to remain calm and continue to support security efforts with timely and credible information.