Five soldiers and one police officer killed as troops respond to terrorist ambush in Zamfara
Nigeria’s military has confirmed that five soldiers and one police officer were killed after troops were ambushed by terrorists while responding to a distress call in Zamfara State, underscoring the severe security challenges in north-west Nigeria. The incident occurred on January 19, 2026, along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau Road as forces of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) were returning from a series of coordinated offensive operations. The troops were responding to reports of a suspected terrorist reprisal attack when they were suddenly fired upon by armed men at Gidan Wagni, officials said.
According to a statement from Captain David Adewusi, Media Information Officer of OPFY, the soldiers and police officer demonstrated courage and resilience by engaging the assailants and preventing further harm to nearby communities before the ambush claimed their lives. The government described the troops’ response as “heroic,” noting that reinforcements from the OPFY Mobile Strike Team and the 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force were rapidly deployed to the scene under the personal leadership of the Brigade Commander, mounting a counter-ambush that forced the terrorists to withdraw.
During the earlier operations in the Birnin Magaji and Anka areas of the state, security forces arrested three suspects and neutralised four terrorists, recovering weapons including one PKT machine gun, five AK-47 rifles and three magazines, rounds of ammunition, radios and motorcycles believed to have been used by the armed group. Intelligence suggested that a notorious bandit kingpin known as Janwuya and his deputy Alhaji Bello were seriously injured in the encounter, while other fleeing elements were also wounded.
Troops, supported by local community vigilantes, continue pursuit operations and offensive actions in the area as part of ongoing efforts to stabilise the region and safeguard residents. Operation FANSAN YAMMA has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, urging the public to remain calm and assist security agencies by providing credible information to support the fight against terrorism and banditry.
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