Five military personnel and one police officer lost their lives after armed attackers ambushed troops attached to Operation FANSAN YAMMA, a Joint Task Force operating in the North West, along the Bingin–Kekun–Waje–Gusau route in Zamfara State.
The attack took place on Monday, January 19, 2026, as troops were returning from a series of coordinated offensive operations in Birnin Magaji and Anka areas of Zamfara State. During those operations, three suspected terrorists were arrested, while four others were neutralised.
In a statement released on Tuesday, January 20, the spokesperson for Operation FANSAN YAMMA explained that the troops came under attack while responding to a distress call linked to a reprisal assault by terrorists. The ambush occurred at Gidan Wagni.
According to the statement, personnel of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Joint Task Force North West, displayed exceptional courage, discipline, and resilience during the ambush along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau road.
The statement noted that the ambush followed successful offensive missions conducted between January 17 and 19, 2026. During this period, Sector 2 troops, working alongside the Mobile Strike Team and a Tactical Support Team, carried out coordinated raids, fighting patrols, and ambushes across Birnin Magaji and Anka. These operations led to the arrest of three suspects and the neutralisation of four terrorists, while several others fled into surrounding forest areas.
Items recovered during the operations included one PKT machine gun, five AK-47 rifles, three AK-47 magazines, quantities of 7.62mm special ammunition, communication radios, and three motorcycles.
While returning from these missions and moving to respond to a distress call, Combat Team 1 of the operation was ambushed by terrorists at Gidan Wagni while en route to Kekun Waje. Despite the element of surprise, the troops engaged the attackers decisively and prevented further threats to nearby communities.
Sadly, five soldiers and one police officer lost their lives during the encounter.
Following the ambush, the Mobile Strike Team, alongside troops from the 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force based at Forward Operating Bases in Kanoma and Kekun Waje, was swiftly deployed to the area. The reinforcement was led by the Brigade Commander, highlighting the level of coordination and commitment within the operation.
The combined forces launched a strong counter-ambush that forced the terrorists to retreat. Credible intelligence later indicated that two notorious bandit leaders were seriously wounded during the confrontation, while some fleeing attackers sustained gunshot injuries. Troops, with support from local vigilante groups, continued pursuit operations as further clearance and offensive actions remain ongoing.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA assured the public that the situation is under control and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, sustaining pressure on terrorist elements, and restoring lasting peace across the operational area.
The Theatre Commander expressed condolences over the loss of personnel and commended the troops for their bravery, sacrifice, and professionalism. Members of the public were also urged to remain calm and continue supporting security efforts by providing timely and credible information.
In a statement released on Tuesday, January 20, the spokesperson for Operation FANSAN YAMMA explained that the troops came under attack while responding to a distress call linked to a reprisal assault by terrorists. The ambush occurred at Gidan Wagni.
According to the statement, personnel of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Joint Task Force North West, displayed exceptional courage, discipline, and resilience during the ambush along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau road.
The statement noted that the ambush followed successful offensive missions conducted between January 17 and 19, 2026. During this period, Sector 2 troops, working alongside the Mobile Strike Team and a Tactical Support Team, carried out coordinated raids, fighting patrols, and ambushes across Birnin Magaji and Anka. These operations led to the arrest of three suspects and the neutralisation of four terrorists, while several others fled into surrounding forest areas.
Items recovered during the operations included one PKT machine gun, five AK-47 rifles, three AK-47 magazines, quantities of 7.62mm special ammunition, communication radios, and three motorcycles.
While returning from these missions and moving to respond to a distress call, Combat Team 1 of the operation was ambushed by terrorists at Gidan Wagni while en route to Kekun Waje. Despite the element of surprise, the troops engaged the attackers decisively and prevented further threats to nearby communities.
Sadly, five soldiers and one police officer lost their lives during the encounter.
Following the ambush, the Mobile Strike Team, alongside troops from the 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force based at Forward Operating Bases in Kanoma and Kekun Waje, was swiftly deployed to the area. The reinforcement was led by the Brigade Commander, highlighting the level of coordination and commitment within the operation.
The combined forces launched a strong counter-ambush that forced the terrorists to retreat. Credible intelligence later indicated that two notorious bandit leaders were seriously wounded during the confrontation, while some fleeing attackers sustained gunshot injuries. Troops, with support from local vigilante groups, continued pursuit operations as further clearance and offensive actions remain ongoing.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA assured the public that the situation is under control and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, sustaining pressure on terrorist elements, and restoring lasting peace across the operational area.
The Theatre Commander expressed condolences over the loss of personnel and commended the troops for their bravery, sacrifice, and professionalism. Members of the public were also urged to remain calm and continue supporting security efforts by providing timely and credible information.
