Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA repel a deadly terrorist ambush in Zamfara, neutralise fighters, arrest suspects and wound notorious bandit leaders despite losing six personnel
Gallant Troops Crush Terror Ambush in Zamfara as Notorious Bandit Leaders Are Wounded
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) under the Joint Task Force North West have once again demonstrated rare courage, professionalism and operational resilience after repelling a deadly terrorist ambush along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau Road in Zamfara State.
The incident, which occurred on 19 January 2026, came on the heels of a series of decisive offensive operations carried out by OPFY forces between 17 and 19 January, targeting terrorist enclaves across Birnin Magaji and Anka Local Government Areas of the state.
During the coordinated operations, troops of Sector 2 OPFY, working alongside the OPFY Mobile Strike Team and DIA Tactical Support Team, executed precision raids, ambushes and fighting patrols that disrupted terrorist movements and logistics.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, by Captain David Adewusi, Media Information Officer, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the troops recorded major operational successes.
“During the offensive operations, three suspected terrorists — Isiya Kwakwatawa, Ibrahim Dan Musulu and Makau Lamba Goma — were arrested, while four terrorists were neutralised and several others fled into the forest with gunshot wounds,” the statement said.
The military also recovered a cache of weapons and logistics, including one PKT machine gun, five AK-47 rifles, three AK-47 magazines, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, Baofeng communication radios and three motorcycles, further degrading the terrorists’ operational capability.
However, while returning from the successful missions and responding to a distress call over a reprisal attack on civilians, OPFY Combat Team 1 came under a sudden and violent ambush at Gidan Wagni while en route to Kekun Waje.
Despite the element of surprise, the troops responded gallantly, engaging the terrorists in a fierce firefight that prevented the attackers from advancing towards nearby communities.
Tragically, five soldiers and one police officer paid the supreme price during the encounter, a loss that cast a solemn shadow over an otherwise successful operation.
“Our troops fought with exceptional bravery and determination, holding their ground under intense fire and preventing further harm to innocent civilians,” Captain Adewusi stated.
Upon receiving the distress report, the OPFY Mobile Strike Team, supported by troops of the 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force from Forward Operating Bases Kanoma and Kekun Waje, immediately mobilised to the area. The reinforcement was personally led by the Commander, 1 Brigade, reflecting the high level of leadership, coordination and commitment within the operation.
The combined forces launched a robust counter-ambush that forced the terrorists to retreat in disarray.
Credible intelligence gathered after the engagement revealed that notorious bandit kingpin Janwuya and Alhaji Bello, the second-in-command to Kachalla Soja, sustained serious gunshot injuries, while several fleeing terrorists were also wounded.
Supported by local community vigilantes, the troops pursued the retreating terrorists into the surrounding forest, as further exploitation and offensive operations continue across the area.
Reassuring residents, Operation FANSAN YAMMA said the situation remains firmly under control.
“We remain fully committed to protecting the lives and property of innocent citizens, sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and restoring lasting peace across the Joint Operations Area,” the statement added.
The Theatre Commander, while condoling with the Commander, Sector 2, over the loss of personnel, commended the troops for their courage, sacrifice and professionalism, urging them to remain steadfast in the ongoing campaign.
Members of the public were also encouraged to remain calm and continue to support security forces by providing timely and credible information, which remains critical to defeating terrorism and banditry in the North-West.
