Troops repel terrorist attack on Zamfara military base, rescue nine abductees

By Imisioluwa Afunmiso

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 insurgents and rescuing nine abducted civilians.

The military said the attack occurred at about 1:40 a.m. on Saturday when terrorists attempted to infiltrate the military base under the cover of darkness.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, alert troops detected the movement of the terrorists and responded with coordinated firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat.

The statement explained that reinforcements were immediately deployed, while troops launched a pursuit of the fleeing terrorists who had abducted an unspecified number of residents from nearby communities during the attack.

It added that the operation led to the rescue of nine abducted civilians, who were safely recovered.

The military, however, confirmed that one Army officer and one police officer were killed during the exchange of gunfire, while two soldiers sustained gunshot injuries.

The injured personnel were evacuated by air for advanced medical treatment and are said to be in stable condition.

The Army said troops had secured the area and were conducting exploitation operations to determine the full extent of casualties inflicted on the terrorists and prevent further threats to surrounding communities.

The military described the failed attack as another major setback for terrorist groups operating in the North-West, noting that sustained offensive operations had continued to weaken their operational capability and limit their freedom of movement.

The statement also dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that six security personnel were killed in the attack, clarifying that only one Army officer and one police officer lost their lives.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and protecting communities across the North-West until lasting peace and security are restored.