Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Joint Task Force North West, have repelled a deadly terrorist ambush along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau Road in Zamfara State, following a series of successful offensive operations against bandit enclaves in the state.
The incident occurred on January 19, 2026, as troops were returning from coordinated raids conducted between January 17 and 19 across Birnin Magaji and Anka areas of Zamfara State. According to the operation, the earlier missions led to the arrest of three suspects identified as Isiya Kwakwatawa, Ibrahim Dan Musulu and Makau Lamba Goma, while four terrorists were neutralised.
Items recovered during the operations 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 responding to a distress call over a terrorist reprisal attack, troops of OPFY Combat Team 1 came under sudden attack at Gidan Wagni en route to Kekun Waje. Despite the surprise ambush, the troops engaged the attackers and prevented further harm to surrounding communities. However, five soldiers and one police officer lost their lives during the encounter.
Reacting swiftly, the OPFY Mobile Strike Team, alongside troops of 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force from Forward Operating Bases in Kanoma and Kekun Waje, moved to the scene. The reinforcement was personally led by the Commander of 1 Brigade.
“The combined force mounted a robust counter-ambush which forced the terrorists to withdraw,” the operation said, adding that “credible intelligence indicates that notorious bandit kingpin Janwuya and Alhaji Bello, the second-in-command to Kachalla Soja, were seriously injured during the encounter.”
Some fleeing terrorists were also believed to have sustained gunshot wounds, as troops, supported by community vigilantes, carried out pursuit operations while further exploitation and offensive actions continued in the area.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA assured residents that the situation is under control and reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property. “We remain fully committed to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and restoring lasting peace across the Joint Operations Area,” the statement said.
The Theatre Commander has condoled with the Commander 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 support security efforts by providing timely and credible information.
