Five soldiers, policeman killed in Zamfara terrorists’ ambush

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Nigerian Army said five soldiers and one police officer were killed in an ambush by terrorists along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau road in Zamfara State on Monday.

The Army, in a statement by Captain David Adewusi, the media information Officer on Tuesday said the ambush followed a series of successful offensive operations conducted from 17 to 19 January 2026 in the area by troops.

According to the statement the coordinated raids, ambushes, and fighting patrols conducted across Birnin Magaji and Anka areas of Zamfara State led to the arrest of three suspects —Isiya Kwakwatawa, Ibrahim Dan Musulu, and Makau Lamba Goma, while four terrorists were neutralised.

Adewusi listed items recovered during the operations to include one PKT machine gun, five AK-47 rifles, three Ak 47 magazines, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, Baofeng radios and three motorcycles.

However, he said, while returning from the operations and responding to a distress call on terrorist reprisal attack, a section of the troops came under attack by terrorists at Gidan Wagni while en route to Kekun Waje.

“Despite the surprise of the ambush, the troops responded gallantly, engaging the terrorists and preventing further harm to nearby communities. Regrettably, five soldiers and one police officer paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter”

Howeever, Adewusin said in response to the ambush, the OPFY Mobile Strike Team, in conjunction with troops of 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force from Forward Operating Bases Kanoma and Kekun Waje, swiftly mobilised to the scene with the reinforcement personally led by the Commander 1 Brigade.

He said the combined forces mounted a robust counter-ambush which forced the terrorists to withdraw.

Adewusi added that credible intelligence indicated that notorious bandits kingpin, JANWUYA and ALHAJI BELLO the second in command to notorious bandit kingpin, KACHALLA SOJA was seriously injured during the encounter while some of the fleeing elements sustained gunshot injuries.

He added that further exploitation and offensive operations continue in the area.

“Operation FANSAN YAMMA assures 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 has condoled with commander sector 2 on this loss and further commended the troops for their courage, sacrifice, and professionalism. Additionally he encouraged members of the public to remain calm and continue to support ongoing security efforts through timely and credible information,” the statement concluded.