Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have thwarted a midnight terrorist attack on a Forward Operating Base in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing several of the attackers, rescuing nine abducted civilians and preventing what the military described as an attempted infiltration of its facility.
The operation, however, came at a heavy cost, with one Nigerian Army officer and one police officer losing their lives during the fierce gun battle, while two soldiers sustained gunshot injuries.
The development was disclosed on Sunday in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba.
According to the military, the terrorists launched the attack on the Forward Operating Base at Kasuwan Daji at about 1:40 a.m. on Saturday, hoping to exploit the cover of darkness.
The statement said: “Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kasuwan Daji, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, have decisively foiled an attempted infiltration by terrorists.
“The successful defense of the base resulted in heavy casualties for the attackers, forcing them to retreat in disarray, and led to the rescue of nine abducted civilians.”
The Army explained that vigilant troops detected the advancing terrorists before they could breach the military installation and responded with superior firepower that forced the attackers to retreat.
Osoba said: “The incident occurred at approximately 0140 hours (1:40 a.m.) on 2 August 2026, when terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the military facility.
“Alerted troops swiftly detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated, overwhelming firepower. The fierce resistance compelled the terrorists to abandon their mission and withdraw in confusion.”
Following the failed assault, additional troops were deployed to reinforce the base and pursue the fleeing terrorists, who had reportedly abducted residents from neighbouring communities during the attack.
The military said the pursuit resulted in the successful rescue of nine kidnapped civilians.
According to the statement: “Following the initial engagement, reinforcements arrived and troops launched a hot pursuit of the fleeing terrorists, who had abducted an unspecified number of residents from the surrounding community during the attack. The relentless pursuit by the troops led to the rescue of nine abducted locals, who were safely recovered.”
Despite the operational success, the Army confirmed that two security personnel paid the supreme sacrifice during the exchange of fire.
The statement added: “Regrettably, one Army officer and one Police officer paid the supreme price during the heavy firefight. Additionally, two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and were promptly evacuated by air for advanced medical care; both personnel remain in stable condition.
“Troops have since secured and dominated the area and are currently conducting exploitation operations to ascertain the full extent of the terrorists’ losses and ensure the safety of the community.”
The military described the failed attack as another setback for terrorist groups operating in the North-West, insisting that troops remain on the offensive against criminal elements across the region.
The Army also dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that six security personnel were killed during the encounter.
Osoba clarified: “Contrary to rumours circulating online that six personnel died, it is worthy to mention that only one Army officer and a policeman paid the supreme price.”
Reaffirming its determination to sustain military operations against terrorist groups, the Army stressed that troops would continue to pursue criminal networks until peace is restored across the region.
The statement concluded: “Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains resolute in its commitment to sustaining offensive operations, protecting vulnerable communities, and dismantling terrorist networks until lasting peace and security are fully restored across the North West.”
(Ripples)