At least five soldiers and a police officer have been killed by gunmen in an ambush along the Bingi-Kekun Waje-Gusau Road in Zamfara State.
The incident occurred on Monday after troops of Operation Fansan Yamma conducted a three-day operation across Birnin Magaji and Anka areas of Zamfara.
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In a statement on Tuesday, the Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, David Adewusi, said during the operation, three suspects were arrested and four terrorists were killed.
Adewusi said after the onslaught, the troops were attacked by terrorists at Gidan Wagni while en route to Kekun Waje to respond to a distress call.
“Despite the surprise of the ambush, the troops responded gallantly, engaging the terrorists and preventing further harm to nearby communities,” Adewusi said.
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“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.
“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, seriously injured during the encounter and some of the fleeing elements sustained gunshot injuries.”
