Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), under the Joint Task Force North West, have displayed exceptional bravery and professionalism in repelling a terrorist ambush along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau Road in Zamfara State on 19 January 2026.
In a press statement signed by Captain David Adewusi, Media Information Officer, OPFY disclosed that the ambush followed a series of successful offensive operations conducted between 17 and 19 January 2026. During the period, troops of Sector 2 OPFY, working with the OPFY Mobile Strike Team and the DIA Tactical Support Team, executed coordinated raids, ambushes, and fighting patrols across Birnin Magaji and Anka areas of Zamfara State.
The operations led to the arrest of three suspects—Isiya Kwakwatawa, Ibrahim Dan Musulu, and Makau Lamba Goma—while four terrorists were neutralised and others fled into the forest. Items recovered 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 returning from the operations and responding to a distress call over a terrorist reprisal attack, troops of OPFY Combat Team 1 came under a surprise ambush at Gidan Wagni en route to Kekun Waje. Despite the sudden attack, the troops responded gallantly, engaging the terrorists and preventing further harm to nearby communities. Sadly, five soldiers and one police officer paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter.
Reinforcements were swiftly mobilised following the distress report. The OPFY Mobile Strike Team, alongside troops of 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force from Forward Operating Bases Kanoma and Kekun Waje—personally led by the Commander 1 Brigade—arrived the scene and mounted a robust counter-ambush. The action forced the terrorists to withdraw, with credible intelligence indicating that notorious bandit kingpin Janwuya and Alhaji Bello, second-in-command to Kachalla Soja, were seriously injured during the encounter. Some fleeing elements were also reported to have sustained gunshot wounds.
Troops, supported by community vigilantes, have continued pursuit and exploitation operations in the area.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA assured the public that the situation remains under control and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while sustaining pressure on terrorist elements to restore lasting peace across the Joint Operations Area. The Theatre Commander condoled with the Commander Sector 2 over the loss of personnel, commended the troops for their courage and professionalism, and urged members of the public to remain calm and support security efforts with timely and credible information.
