Soldier, Police Officer Killed as Troops Rescue Nine Abductees in Zamfara

One Nigerian Army officer and a police officer were killed after troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA successfully repelled a terrorist attack on a Forward Operating Base in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The operation also led to the rescue of nine civilians who had been abducted by the fleeing attackers.

The Nigerian Army disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba.

According to the statement, the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the military base at Kasuwan Daji at about 1:40 a.m. on Saturday under the cover of darkness.

However, alert troops detected the movement of the attackers and immediately engaged them with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, forcing them to abandon the assault and retreat.

Following the initial confrontation, additional troops were deployed to reinforce the base before launching a pursuit of the fleeing terrorists.

During the operation, soldiers intercepted the attackers and successfully rescued nine civilians who had been kidnapped from nearby communities during the attempted raid.

The rescued victims were recovered safely as troops continued efforts to restore security in the area.

The Army, however, confirmed that the fierce exchange of gunfire claimed the lives of one Army officer and one police officer attached to the operation.

It also disclosed that two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the battle and were immediately evacuated by air to a medical facility for advanced treatment.

According to the statement, the injured personnel are responding to treatment and remain in stable condition.

The military said troops have since secured the Forward Operating Base and surrounding communities while maintaining dominance in the area.

Exploitation operations are also ongoing to determine the full extent of casualties inflicted on the terrorists and to recover any abandoned weapons or equipment.

The Army described the failed attack as another setback for terrorist groups operating in the North-West, stressing that ongoing military operations would continue until criminal elements are completely neutralised.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the region and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information capable of assisting ongoing counterterrorism operations.