By ZAKAA LAZARUS
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have repelled an attempted infiltration of their Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kasuwan Daji, Kaura Namoda LGA of Zamfara State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and rescuing 9 abducted civilians.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lt. Col. OLaniyi Osoba.
According to the statement, the attack occurred at approximately 1:40 a.m. on 2 August 2026, when terrorists attempted to breach the military facility under the cover of darkness.
Alerted troops detected the movement and responded with coordinated firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray.
Following the initial engagement, reinforcements arrived and troops launched a hot pursuit of the fleeing terrorists. The militants 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 9 abducted locals, who were safely recovered,” the statement said.
The Army confirmed that 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 are said to be in stable condition.
The statement debunked online reports claiming six personnel died, stating: “Contrary to rumors circulating online that six personnel died, it is worthy to mention that only one Army officer and a policeman paid the supreme price.”
Troops have since secured and dominated the area and are conducting exploitation operations to ascertain the full extent of the terrorists’ losses.
The Army described the failed infiltration as “yet another significant operational setback for the terrorists,” noting it caps a costly weekend for the group amid intensified military pressure across the North West Theatre.
“The outcome underscores the increasing difficulty these armed groups face in executing coordinated attacks against highly alert and combat-ready troops,” the statement added.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA reiterated its commitment to sustaining offensive operations, protecting vulnerable communities, and dismantling terrorist networks “until lasting peace and security are fully restored across the North.”
