Five Soldiers, Policeman Killed as Troops Repel Zamfara Terrorist Ambush

 Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have successfully repelled a terrorist ambush along the Bingi-Kekun Waje-Gusau Road in Zamfara State, though five soldiers and a police officer were killed in the attack.

The ambush occurred on 19 January 2026, as OPFY Combat Team 1 was returning from a series of offensive operations in Birnin Magaji and Anka. These operations, conducted from 17 to 19 January in coordination with the OPFY Mobile Strike Team and the DIA Tactical Support Team, led to the arrest of three suspects—Isiya Kwakwatawa, Ibrahim Dan Musulu and Makau Lamba Goma—and the neutralisation of four terrorists.

Recovered items included a PKT machine gun, five AK-47 rifles with three magazines, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, Baofeng radios and three motorcycles.

During the ambush at Gidan Wagni, the troops engaged the attackers and prevented harm to nearby communities.

Reinforcements, including the OPFY Mobile Strike Team and 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force from Forward Operating Bases Kanoma and Kekun Waje, were deployed under the personal leadership of the 1 Brigade Commander.

The combined force mounted a counter-ambush that forced the terrorists to retreat.

Intelligence suggests that notorious bandit leaders Janwuya and Alhaji Bello, the second-in-command to Kachalla Soja, were seriously injured, while other fleeing attackers sustained gunshot wounds.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA said further offensive and pursuit operations are ongoing, with support from community vigilantes.

The Theatre Commander has commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism, extended condolences to the families of the fallen personnel and urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support security efforts.

Authorities emphasised that the situation is under control, and operations to restore peace across the region remain active.