Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), Joint Task Force North West, have demonstrated exceptional bravery, professionalism, and resilience following a terrorist ambush along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau Road in Zamfara State on 19 January 2026.
Its Media information Officer, Captain David Adewusi in a statement issued Tuesday said the ambush followed a series of successful offensive operations conducted from 17 to 19 January 2026, when troops of Sector 2 OPFY, in conjunction with the OPFY Mobile Strike Team and DIA Tactical Support Team.
He explained that the troops carried out coordinated raids, ambushes, and fighting patrols across Birnin Magaji and Anka areas of Zamfara State.
Adewuai noted: “During these operations, three suspects—Isiya Kwakwatawa, Ibrahim Dan Musulu, and Makau Lamba Goma—were arrested, while four terrorists were neutralised and others fled into the forest. Items recovered included 1 PKT machine gun, 5 AK-47 rifles, 3 Ak 47 magazines, other items are rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, Baofeng radios,3 motorcycles.
“While returning from these operations and responding to a distress call on terrorist reprisal attack , troops of OPFY Combat Team 1, 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.
“Upon receipt of the distress report, 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.
“The reinforcement was personally led by the Commander 1 Brigade, underscoring the high level of coordination, and commitment within the operation.”
Adewusi stressed that the combined force mounted a robust counter-ambush which forced the terrorists to withdraw, with credible intelligence indicating that notorious bandits kingpin Janwuya and Alhaji Bello, the 2iC to Kachalla Soja seriously injured during the encountered some of the fleeing elements sustained gunshot injuries.
He added that troops, supported by community vigilantes, subsequently conducted pursuit while further exploitation and offensive operations continued.