Deadly ambush in Zamfara claims lives of five soldiers, one police officer

At least five soldiers of the Nigerian Army and one police officer have been killed following a deadly ambush by suspected bandits in Zamfara State.

The attack occurred along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau Road as troops attached to Operation FANSAN YAMMA, a joint security operation in the North-West, were returning from clearance operations in parts of the state. Security sources said the personnel were ambushed by heavily armed gunmen who opened fire on their convoy.

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According to a statement from the military, the troops had earlier recorded successes during coordinated operations in Birnin Magaji and Anka areas, where several suspects were arrested and bandits neutralised. The ambush is believed to be a reprisal attack by fleeing armed groups.

Despite being caught off guard, the troops reportedly engaged the attackers, preventing them from advancing towards nearby communities. Reinforcements were later deployed to the area, while a manhunt was launched to track down the assailants.

Recovered items from earlier operations included AK-47 rifles, ammunition, communication equipment and motorcycles, underscoring the scale of the armed groups operating in the area.

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The military has expressed condolences to the families of the fallen personnel, describing their deaths as a painful loss, while reaffirming its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against banditry and other criminal activities in Zamfara and the wider North-West region.

Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and continue to support security agencies with credible information as operations in the area continue.

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