By Seyi Odewale
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled a pre-dawn terrorist attack on their Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Kasuwan Daji in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing several insurgents and rescuing nine civilians abducted during the assault.
The Nigerian Army said the terrorists launched the coordinated attack at about 1:40 a.m. on Sunday, hoping to overrun the military base under the cover of darkness, but were met with overwhelming resistance from troops who repelled the offensive and forced the attackers to retreat with heavy casualties.
The operation, however, claimed the lives of an Army officer and a police officer, while two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and were evacuated by air for specialist medical treatment.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col Olaniyi Osoba.
According to the Army spokesman, vigilant troops detected the advancing terrorists before they could penetrate the base and immediately engaged them with coordinated firepower.
“Alert troops swiftly detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated, overwhelming firepower, compelling the terrorists to abandon their mission and withdraw in confusion.”
Osoba said reinforcement troops were subsequently deployed, triggering a fierce pursuit of the fleeing gunmen, who had abducted several residents from nearby communities while retreating.
He disclosed that the sustained pursuit resulted in the successful rescue of nine kidnapped civilians, who were recovered unharmed.
“The relentless pursuit by the troops led to the rescue of nine abducted locals, who were safely recovered.”
The Army confirmed that one Army officer and one police officer lost their lives during the intense exchange of fire.
“Regrettably, one Army officer and one police officer paid the supreme price during the heavy firefight.”
He added that two wounded soldiers were immediately airlifted for advanced medical treatment and were responding well.
“Two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and were promptly evacuated by air for advanced medical care. Both personnel remain in stable condition.”
The military said troops have since taken full control of the area and commenced exploitation operations to determine the full extent of casualties inflicted on the terrorists while preventing any renewed attacks on surrounding communities.
The Army described the failed assault as another major setback for terrorist groups operating in the North-West, saying recent military offensives have continued to degrade their operational capability and restrict their freedom of movement.
It also dismissed social media reports claiming that six security personnel were killed during the operation.
“Contrary to rumours circulating online that six personnel died, it is worth mentioning that only one Army officer and one policeman paid the supreme price.”
The Army reaffirmed that Operation FANSAN YAMMA would sustain its offensive against terrorist groups until lasting peace is restored across the North-West.
“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.”
