Troops Repel Terrorist Ambush on Zamfara Highway, Neutralise Bandits
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), have neutralized four terrorists and arrested three others following a series of successful offensive operations.
Media Information Officer, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Captain David Adewusi, who disclosed this on Tuesday, said the offensive operations were conducted between 17 and 19 January across Birnin Magaji and Anka local government areas, with troops displaying exceptional courage and professionalism.
During the operations, troops of Sector 2 OPFY, working alongside the OPFY Mobile Strike Team and the DIA Tactical Support Team, carried out coordinated raids, ambushes and fighting patrols that led to the arrest of three suspects identified as Isiya Kwakwatawa, Ibrahim Dan Musulu and Makau Lamba Goma. Others fled into surrounding forests.
Items recovered included one PKT machine gun, five AK-47 rifles, three AK-47 magazines, several 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 were ambushed at Gidan Wagni while en route to Kekun Waje. Despite the element of surprise, the troops responded gallantly, engaging the terrorists and preventing further attacks on nearby communities. Sadly, five soldiers and one police officer paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter.
Following the distress report, the OPFY Mobile Strike Team, alongside troops of 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force from Forward Operating Bases in Kanoma and Kekun Waje, swiftly mobilised to the scene. The reinforcement was personally led by the Commander of 1 Brigade, reflecting the high level of coordination and leadership within the operation.
The combined force launched a robust counter-ambush that compelled the terrorists to withdraw, even as credible intelligence indicated that a notorious bandit kingpin, Janwuya, and Alhaji Bello, the second-in-command to Kachalla Soja, sustained serious gunshot injuries during the encounter, while other fleeing elements were also wounded. Troops, supported by community vigilantes, pursued the retreating terrorists as further exploitation and offensive operations continue.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA has assured the public that the situation remains under control and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, sustaining pressure on terrorist elements, and restoring lasting peace across the Joint Operations Area.
