Troops of Operation Fasan Yamma (OPFY) and the Joint Task Force North West have neutralised four terrorists following an ambush along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau Road in Zamfara State on January 19, 2026.
Gatekeepers News reports that the development was disclosed in a statement by OPFY Media Information Officer, Captain David Adewusi, in Gusau, the state capital. The ambush followed a series of coordinated operations conducted between January 17 and 19, involving Sector 2 OPFY, the OPFY Mobile Strike Team, and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) Tactical Support Team in Birnin Magaji and Anka areas.
“During these operations, three suspects — Isiya Kwakwatawa, Ibrahim Dan Musulu, and Makau Lamba Goma — were arrested, while four terrorists were neutralised and others fled into the forest,” the statement said.
“Items recovered included one PKT machine gun, five AK-47 rifles, three AK-47 magazines, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, Baofeng radios, and three motorcycles.”
The statement added that OPFY Combat Team 1 came under fire while responding to a distress call about a terrorist reprisal attack at Gidan Wagni.
“Despite the surprise of the ambush, the troops responded gallantly, engaging the terrorists and preventing further harm to nearby communities. Regrettably, five soldiers and one police officer paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter.”
Reinforcements from the OPFY Mobile Strike Team and 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force, personally led by the Commander of 1 Brigade, swiftly mobilised to the scene. The combined force launched a counter-ambush, forcing the terrorists to withdraw. Intelligence suggests notorious bandit kingpins Janwuya and Alhaji Bello, second-in-command to Kachalla Soja, were seriously injured, while other fleeing elements sustained gunshot wounds.
“Troops, supported by community vigilantes, subsequently conducted pursuit operations, while further exploitation and offensive actions continue,” the statement said.
Operation Fasan Yamma assured the public that the situation is under control and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, sustaining pressure on terrorist elements, and restoring peace across the operational area.
“The Theatre Commander has condoled with the Commander Sector 2 on the loss and commended the troops for their courage, sacrifice and professionalism. He also encouraged members of the public to remain calm and continue to support ongoing security efforts through timely and credible information,” the statement concluded.
