Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Zamfara State, Nigeria — At least five Nigerian soldiers and one police officer were killed in a deadly ambush by terrorists along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau Road in Zamfara State on Monday, 19 January 2026, military authorities have confirmed. The attack occurred as troops were returning from a series of successful offensive operations in the region aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks.
According to a statement issued by Captain David Adewusi, Media Information Officer for Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), the troops involved were part of the Joint Task Force North West, which had carried out coordinated raids, ambushes and fighting patrols across Birnin Magaji and Anka Local Government Areas between 17 and 19 January 2026. During these operations, security forces reportedly arrested three suspects — Isiya Kwakwatawa, Ibrahim Dan Musulu and Makau Lamba Goma — and “neutralised” four terrorists, while others fled into nearby forests. Recovered items included one PKT machine gun, five AK-47 rifles, three AK-47 magazines, rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, Baofeng radios and three motorcycles believed to have been used by armed elements.
The ambush took place at Gidan Wagni, where troops of OPFY Combat Team 1 came under fire while en route to Kekun Waje in response to a distress call on a suspected terrorist reprisal attack. Despite the surprise assault, the soldiers and police engaged the attackers, preventing further harm to nearby communities. Tragically, five soldiers and one police officer “paid the supreme sacrifice” during the encounter, the military statement confirmed.
In the aftermath of the attack, the OPFY Mobile Strike Team, along with troops from the 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force based at Forward Operating Bases in Kanoma and Kekun Waje, were swiftly mobilised to the scene. Led personally by the Commander of the 1 Brigade, the combined forces mounted a robust counter-ambush, forcing the terrorists to withdraw. Credible intelligence also indicated that notable bandit kingpin Janwuya and his second-in-command, Alhaji Bello, were seriously injured during the confrontation, and several fleeing fighters were believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.
Following the fierce exchange of gunfire, troops — supported by local community vigilantes — reportedly continued pursuit operations, while ongoing exploitation and offensive actions remained underway in the area as of the latest updates.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA assured residents that the situation is under control and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and properties, sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and working toward lasting peace across the Joint Operations Area. The Theatre Commander extended condolences to the leadership of Sector 2 and commended the troops for their courage, sacrifice and professionalism, while urging the public to remain calm and support security efforts with credible information.
The ambush highlights the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria’s North-West region, where terrorist and bandit activities continue to threaten stability despite sustained military offensives. Communities along key transport corridors have repeatedly been caught in the crossfire of counter-terrorism operations and retaliatory attacks, underscoring the complex security landscape in states like Zamfara.
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