The Nigerian Army has confirmed that five soldiers and one police officer were ambushed and killed during an encounter with bandits at Gidan Wagni, while on patrol en route Kekun Waje in Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The confirmation was contained in a statement issued by Captain David Adewusi, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, on Tuesday, 20 January 2026.
According to the statement, the ambush followed a series of successful offensive operations carried out between 17 and 19 January 2026.
Troops of Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in conjunction with the OPFY Mobile Strike Team and the DIA Tactical Support Team, conducted coordinated raids, ambushes and fighting patrols across Birnin Magaji and Anka areas of Zamfara State.
During the operations, three suspects identified as Isiya Kwakwatawa, Ibrahim Dan Musulu, and Makau Lamba Goma were arrested.
Four terrorists were neutralised, while several others fled into the forest.
Items recovered during the operations include one PKT machine gun, five AK-47 rifles, three AK-47 magazines, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, Baofeng radios, and three motorcycles.
Captain Adewusi stated that while returning from the operations and responding to a distress call over a 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 ambush, the troops responded gallantly, engaging the attackers and preventing further harm to nearby communities.
Regrettably, five soldiers and one police officer paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter.
The statement further revealed that upon receipt of the distress report, the OPFY Mobile Strike Team, alongside troops of the 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force from Forward Operating Bases Kanoma and Kekun Waje, swiftly mobilised to the scene.
According Captain David the combined forces mounted a robust counter-ambush, forcing the terrorists to withdraw.
He said Credible Intelligence indicates that notorious bandit kingpin Janwuya and Alhaji Bello, the second-in-command to Kachalla Soja, were seriously injured during the encounter, while some fleeing terrorists sustained gunshot wounds.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie Magnus)
