Troops repel terrorist ambush in Zamfara, neutralise bandit leaders
Army
Abdullateef Fowewe
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), the Joint Task Force North West, showcased remarkable bravery by thwarting a terrorist ambush along the Bingi–Kekun Waje-Gusau Road in Zamfara State on January 19, following a string of successful raids.
Captain David Adewusi, Media Information Officer for OPFY, detailed the sequence of events in a statement released Tuesday.
Prior to the ambush, troops from Sector 2 OPFY, alongside the OPFY Mobile Strike Team and DIA Tactical Support Team, executed coordinated operations from January 17-19 across Birnin Magaji and Anka areas.
These efforts led to the arrest of three suspects—Isiya Kwakwatawa, Ibrahim Dan Musulu, and Makau Lamba Goma—while neutralizing four terrorists.
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.
En route to Kekun Waje in response to a distress call about a terrorist reprisal attack, OPFY Combat Team 1 encountered the ambush at Gidan Wagni.
“Despite the surprise of the ambush, the troops responded gallantly, engaging the terrorists and preventing further harm to nearby communities,” Adewusi stated.
Tragically, five soldiers and one police officer lost their lives in the fierce exchange.
Reinforcements arrived swiftly, with the OPFY Mobile Strike Team joining forces from the 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force at Forward Operating Bases Kanoma and Kekun Waje.
The response was personally led by the Commander of 1 Brigade.
Their robust counter-ambush forced the terrorists to retreat, inflicting serious injuries on notorious bandit kingpin Janwuya and Alhaji Bello, the second-in-command to Kachalla Soja.
Pursuits backed by community vigilantes continue, with ongoing offensive operations.
OPFY emphasised its resolve, assuring 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 condoled with Sector 2 leadership over the losses, commending the troops’ “courage, sacrifice, and professionalism,” and urged civilians to provide timely intelligence.
