Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have thwarted a terrorist infiltration attempt on a military facility in Zamfara, rescuing nine abducted civilians but losing a soldier and a police officer in the fierce exchange.
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kasuwan Daji, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, successfully repelled an attempted infiltration by terrorists, the military has said.
In a statement on Sunday, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant-Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, said the defence inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, forcing them to retreat in disarray, and led to the rescue of nine abducted civilians.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:40 a.m. on August 2, 2026, when terrorists sought to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the military facility.
“Alerted troops swiftly detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated, overwhelming firepower. The fierce resistance compelled the terrorists to abandon their mission and withdraw in confusion,” Mr Osoba said.
However, during the initial engagement, reinforcements arrived and troops launched a hot pursuit of the fleeing terrorists, who had abducted an unspecified number of residents from the surrounding community.
“The relentless pursuit by the troops led to the rescue of nine abducted locals, who were safely recovered. Regrettably, one army officer and one police officer paid the supreme price during the heavy firefight. Additionally, two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and were promptly evacuated by air for advanced medical care; both personnel remain in stable condition,” he added.
According to the commander, troops have since secured and dominated the area and are conducting exploitation operations to ascertain the full extent of the terrorists’ losses and ensure community safety.
He described the failed infiltration as another significant operational setback for the terrorists, capping a costly weekend amid intensified military pressure across the North-West theatre.
“The outcome underscores the increasing difficulty these armed groups face in executing coordinated attacks against highly alert and combat-ready troops, further degrading their combat capability, morale, and freedom of action,” Mr Osoba said.
He dismissed online rumours claiming six personnel had died, stating: “Only one army officer and a policeman paid the supreme price.”
“Operation Fansan Yamma remains resolute in its commitment to sustaining offensive operations, protecting vulnerable communities, and dismantling terrorist networks until lasting peace and security are fully restored across the North-West,” he added.
(NAN)