Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have repelled an attempted terrorist attack on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Kasuwan Daji in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing several attackers and rescuing nine abducted civilians.
The military disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba.
According to the statement, the attack occurred at about 1:40 a.m. on Sunday when the terrorists allegedly attempted to infiltrate the military base under the cover of darkness.
The Army said the troops detected the movement of the attackers and responded with “coordinated, overwhelming firepower,” forcing the terrorists to abandon the operation and retreat.
“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 statement said.
The military explained that after repelling the attack, reinforcements arrived and troops pursued the fleeing terrorists, who had abducted an unspecified number of residents from nearby communities during the assault.
“The relentless pursuit by the troops led to the rescue of nine abducted locals, who were safely recovered,” Osoba stated.
The Army, however, confirmed that one Army officer and one police officer were killed during the exchange of gunfire.
It added that two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and were evacuated by air for advanced medical treatment.
“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,” the statement added.
The military said troops had since secured the area and commenced exploitation operations to determine the full extent of the terrorists’ casualties while ensuring the safety of residents.
The Army described the failed attack as another major setback for terrorist groups operating in Nigeria’s North-West, saying sustained military offensives were weakening their operational capability.
“This failed infiltration attempt represents yet another significant operational setback for the terrorists, capping a costly weekend for the group amid intensified military pressure across the North West Theatre,” the statement said.
The military also dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that six security personnel were killed during the attack.
“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,” Osoba said.
Reaffirming its commitment to ongoing operations against armed groups, the Army said, “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.”