A soldier and a police officer were killed after troops foiled a terrorist attack in Zamfara State, with military authorities dismissing online reports that six security personnel lost their lives.
Zamfara is located in the North-West region of Nigeria
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 repelled an attempted infiltration by terrorists.
The defence of the base, according to the Nigerian Army, resulted in heavy casualties for the attackers, forcing them to retreat in disarray, and led to the rescue of nine abducted civilians.
It, however, said that an army officer and a police officer lost their lives during the operation, which occurred at approximately 1:40 a.m. on August 2, 2026, when terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the military facility.
The military authorities said that alerted troops swiftly detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated, overwhelming firepower, compelling the terrorists to abandon their mission and withdraw in confusion.
“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.
“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,” a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, partly read.
“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 army further stated that the failed infiltration attempt represented yet another significant operational setback for the terrorists, capping a costly weekend for the group amid intensified military pressure across the North-West theatre.
It also said that the outcome underscored the increasing difficulty these armed groups face in executing coordinated attacks against highly alert and combat-ready troops, further degrading their combat capability, morale, and freedom of action.
“Contrary to rumours circulating online that six personnel died. it worthy to mention that only one Army officer and a policeman paid the supreme price,” it added.
“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.”
