Ambush in Zamfara: 5 Soldiers, 1 Cop Killed as Troops Battle Bandits
A tactical operation against insecurity and banditry in the North West turned tragic on Monday when gunmen ambushed a convoy of security personnel in Zamfara State, killing five soldiers and one police officer.
The incident occurred along the Bingi-Kekun Waje-Gusau Road at Gidan Wagni, shortly after troops of Operation Fansan Yamma had concluded a successful three-day clearance operation across the Birnin Magaji and Anka areas of the state.
In a statement released on Tuesday, David Adewusi, the Media Information Officer for Operation Fansan Yamma, confirmed the casualties. He explained that the troops were en route to Kekun Waje to respond to a distress call when they came under heavy fire from the terrorists.
“Despite the surprise of the ambush, the troops responded gallantly, engaging the terrorists and preventing further harm to nearby communities,” Adewusi stated. “Regrettably, five soldiers and one police officer paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter.”
Following the initial ambush, a Mobile Strike Team, supported by the 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force from Forward Operating Bases in Kanoma and Kekun Waje, was swiftly mobilized. The reinforcement was reportedly led personally by the Commander of 1 Brigade, signaling the severity of the engagement.
The military command disclosed that the counter-attack was effective, forcing the assailants to retreat. Intelligence reports cited by the military indicate that high-profile bandit leaders were hit during the firefight.
“The combined force mounted a robust counter-ambush which forced the terrorists to withdraw, with credible intelligence indicating that notorious bandit kingpins Janwuya and Alhaji Bello, the 2iC to Kachalla Soja, were seriously injured during the encounter and some of the fleeing elements sustained gunshot injuries,” the statement added.
Prior to the ambush, the troops had arrested three suspects and neutralized four terrorists during their three-day clearance patrol, part of the intensified efforts to secure the volatile region.
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