Five soldiers and a police officer were killed after gunmen ambushed security forces along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau Road in Zamfara State.
The attack happened on Monday, shortly after troops under Operation Fansan Yamma concluded a three-day operation in Birnin Magaji and Anka areas of the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the media information officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, David Adewusi, said the operation led to the arrest of three suspects and the killing of four terrorists.
According to Adewusi, the troops came under attack at Gidan Wagni while moving towards Kekun Waje in response to a distress call following the operation.
“Despite the surprise of the ambush, the troops responded gallantly, engaging the terrorists and preventing further harm to nearby communities,” Adewusi said.
“Regrettably, five soldiers and one police officer paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter.
“Upon receipt of the distress report, the OPFY Mobile Strike Team, in conjunction with troops of 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force from Forward Operating Bases Kanoma and Kekun Waje, swiftly mobilised to the scene.
“The reinforcement was personally led by the Commander 1 Brigade, underscoring the high level of coordination, and commitment within the operation.
“The combined force mounted a robust counter-ambush which forced the terrorists to withdraw, with credible intelligence indicating that notorious bandit kingpins Janwuya and Alhaji Bello, the 2iC to Kachalla Soja, seriously injured during the encounter and some of the fleeing elements sustained gunshot injuries.”
Security operations in the area are said to be ongoing as troops intensify efforts to track down the fleeing attackers.