Troops repel terrorist attack on FOB in Zamfara, rescue nine abductees

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Kasuwan Daji in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and rescuing nine abducted civilians during a follow-up operation.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba, the attempted infiltration occurred at about 1:40 a.m. on Aug. 2.

The statement said the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the military position, but vigilant troops detected the movement and responded with overwhelming firepower, forcing the assailants to retreat in disarray.

It added that reinforcements were immediately deployed, after which troops launched a pursuit of the fleeing terrorists, who had abducted an unspecified number of residents from the surrounding community during the attack.

The military said the pursuit led to the successful rescue of nine abducted civilians, who were recovered safely.

The Army, however, confirmed that one Army officer and one Police officer were killed during the fierce exchange of fire.

It also disclosed that two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and were airlifted for advanced medical treatment, adding that both personnel were in stable condition.

The statement noted that troops had secured and dominated the area and were conducting exploitation operations to determine the full extent of the terrorists’ casualties while ensuring the safety of nearby communities.

The Army described the failed assault as another major setback for the terrorists amid sustained military offensives across the North-West theatre, saying the outcome reflected the increasing difficulty armed groups face in mounting coordinated attacks against combat-ready troops.

The military also dismissed online reports claiming that six security personnel were killed in the incident, insisting that only one Army officer and one Police officer lost their lives during the operation.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and protecting vulnerable communities until lasting peace and security are restored across the North-West.

Source: Statement by Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, issued on Aug. 2, 2026.