Soldier, police officer killed as army rescues nine abductees in Zamfara
August 2, 2026 4:06 pm
The rescued abductee. Credit: Nigerian Army
One Nigerian Army officer and a police officer were killed when troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA repelled a terrorist attack on a Forward Operating Base in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The troops also rescued nine abducted civilians during a pursuit of the fleeing attackers.
The Army 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, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba.
According to the statement, the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the Forward Operating Base at Kasuwan Daji at about 1:40 a.m. on Saturday but were repelled by troops.
“Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kasuwan Daji, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, have decisively foiled an attempted infiltration by terrorists.
“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 read.
The Army said troops detected the terrorists’ movement and responded with coordinated firepower, forcing the attackers to abandon their mission.
“The incident occurred at approximately 0140 hours (1:40 a.m.) on 2 August 2026, when terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the military facility.
“Alerted troops swiftly detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated, overwhelming firepower. The fierce resistance compelled the terrorists to abandon their mission and withdraw in confusion,” Osoba said.
The statement added that reinforcements were deployed after the initial gun battle, with troops pursuing the fleeing terrorists and rescuing nine civilians who had been abducted from nearby communities.
“Following the initial engagement, reinforcements arrived and troops launched a hot pursuit of the fleeing terrorists, who had abducted an unspecified number of residents from the surrounding community during the attack. The relentless pursuit by the troops led to the rescue of nine abducted locals, who were safely recovered,” it stated.
The Army, however, confirmed that one Army officer and one police officer were killed during the exchange of fire, while two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds.”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.
“Troops have since secured and dominated the area and are currently conducting exploitation operations to ascertain the full extent of the terrorists’ losses and ensure the safety of the community,” the statement added.
The Army described the failed attack as another operational setback for the terrorists amid ongoing military operations across the North-West.
It also dismissed reports circulating online that six security personnel were killed during the incident.
“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,” Osoba said.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining operations against terrorist groups in the region.
“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.
Saheed is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over two years of experience covering metro, technology, sports, politics, and human-interest stories. He focuses on producing clear, engaging reports across diverse beats. Saheed’s work reflects hands-on newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate and balanced journalism.
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