One Nigerian Army officer and a police officer have been killed after 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 while pursuing the fleeing attackers, according to 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.
Osoba said the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the Forward Operating Base at Kasuwan Daji at about 1:40 a.m. on Saturday, but were met with coordinated firepower from troops on duty.
“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 defence 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 said.
According to the Army, troops detected the movement of the attackers under the cover of darkness and responded with overwhelming firepower, forcing them to abandon the assault.
“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 added.
The Army said reinforcements were deployed after the initial exchange of fire, enabling troops to pursue the fleeing terrorists and rescue nine residents abducted from nearby communities during the attack.
“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,” the statement said.
The Army confirmed that one Army officer and one police officer were killed during the operation, 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,” Osoba stated.
The Army described the failed attack as another setback for terrorist groups operating in the North-West and dismissed reports claiming 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 across 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.