A Nigerian Army officer and a police officer have been killed after troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA repelled a terrorist attack on a Forward Operating Base in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The military also rescued nine abducted residents during a follow-up operation against the fleeing attackers.
The incident was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba.
According to the Army, the terrorists launched an attack on the Forward Operating Base at Kasuwan Daji at about 1:40 a.m. on Saturday, attempting to infiltrate the military facility under the cover of darkness.
However, troops on duty detected the movement early and engaged the attackers with coordinated firepower, forcing them to retreat after suffering significant casualties.
“The successful defence 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 statement said.
Following the failed assault, reinforcements joined the operation and pursued the fleeing terrorists, who had abducted several residents from nearby communities during the attack.
The Army said the pursuit led to the successful rescue of nine abducted civilians, who were recovered safely.
Despite the success of the operation, the military disclosed that one Army officer and one police officer lost their lives during the gun battle.
It also stated that two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and were immediately evacuated by air for advanced medical treatment. The injured personnel are said to be in stable condition.
“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,” Osoba said.
The Army said troops have since secured the area and are conducting exploitation operations to assess the full extent of the terrorists’ losses while ensuring the safety of surrounding communities.
The military described the failed attack as another major setback for terrorist groups operating in the North-West amid ongoing operations to restore security in the region.
Osoba also dismissed online reports claiming that six security personnel were killed during the attack, describing the reports as false.
“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,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and protecting communities across the North-West.
“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,” the statement added.
