Troops Foil Terrorist Ambush in Zamfara, Rescue Herders

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have repelled a terrorist ambush along the Anka-Guruzu Road in Zamfara State and rescued two abducted herders, while recovering 520 livestock in a separate operation in Sokoto State.

The military said the operations took place on Wednesday, October 28, following intelligence reports about terrorist activities in the affected communities.

In Zamfara, troops of Sector 2 encountered an ambush while conducting a patrol to clear the Anka-Guruzu Road. The attackers reportedly opened fire from both sides of the route.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, the soldiers fought back with superior firepower, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers, forcing them to flee.

“The gallant troops responded with overwhelming firepower, courageously fighting through the ambush and inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorists, who subsequently withdrew from the area in disarray,” the statement said.

The troops subsequently secured the road and restored movement for commuters. 

One soldier sustained a gunshot wound during the confrontation and was evacuated for treatment. The military said he was in stable condition.

In a separate operation in Takasaba village, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, troops disrupted an attempted livestock raid and abduction.

The military said soldiers moved into the area after receiving credible intelligence about the suspected terrorists’ activities. 

The attackers fled following an exchange of fire, abandoning 520 livestock and two people they had abducted.

The rescued victims were identified as Malam Sulaiman, 50, and Nasiru Sulaiman, 14. They were later handed over to the Sabon Birni local government authorities.

The task force said the operations formed part of efforts to prevent terrorist groups from operating freely, protect vulnerable communities and secure important routes across the North-West.

The Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General W.B. Idris, praised the troops for their conduct during the operations and urged them to maintain pressure on terrorist groups in the region.

He also reassured residents of the military’s commitment to restoring security and encouraged the public to provide security agencies with timely, credible information.