By Kazeem Waris
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have repelled a terrorist ambush along the Anka–Guruzu Road in Zamfara State, rescued two abducted herders and recovered 520 livestock in a separate operation in Sokoto State.
The operations, conducted on October 28, 2026, followed intelligence reports of terrorist activities in the affected areas and formed part of ongoing military efforts to protect communities, secure major routes and combat terrorism across the North-West.
In Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2 encountered an ambush while conducting a fighting patrol along the Anka–Guruzu Road.
According to a statement issued by the Theatre Command, the armed assailants had positioned themselves on both sides of the road in an apparent attempt to trap the advancing troops.
However, the soldiers responded with superior firepower, engaging the attackers in a fierce exchange of gunfire before fighting their way through the ambush.
The military said the troops inflicted casualties on the terrorists, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Following the encounter, the soldiers maintained their presence in the area and secured the affected corridor to facilitate freedom of movement for commuters and residents.
One soldier sustained a gunshot wound during the confrontation and was promptly evacuated for medical attention. He was reported to be in stable condition.
In a separate operation in Sokoto State, troops of Sector 2 foiled an attempted livestock rustling and abduction operation at Takasaba village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
The intervention followed credible intelligence about the presence and activities of suspected terrorists in the community.
The troops swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the assailants, who reportedly fled under pressure, abandoning 520 livestock and two herders they had abducted.
The rescued victims were identified as Malam Sulaiman, 50, and Nasiru Sulaiman, 14.
Their rescue and the recovery of the livestock prevented further losses to the affected community, where cattle and other livestock constitute a major source of livelihood for pastoral households.
The two victims were subsequently handed over to the authorities of Sabon Birni Local Government Area for further necessary action.
The military did not provide further details about the suspected attackers or disclose whether any arrests had been made in connection with the incident.
Commenting on the operations, the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General W.B. Idris, commended the troops for their courage, fighting spirit and commitment to the ongoing campaign against terrorism.
Idris urged the soldiers to sustain the pressure on armed groups and deny them the opportunity to attack communities, abduct residents and rustle livestock.
He also reassured residents across the joint operations area of the military’s commitment to restoring peace and security.
The commander urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support intelligence-led operations and help prevent further attacks.
