The Nigerian Army under Operation Fansan Yamma has confirmed the death of five soldiers in an ambush along the Lilo–Kotorkoshi road in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The Army spokesperson in the state, Capt David Adewusi, who confirmed the development through a statement , explained that troops of 1 Brigade Forward Operating Base in Lilo village came under heavy terrorist fire while on patrol around the Lilo–Kofi axis.
The incident, according to the statement occurred on Monday while troops were escorting traders to Gusau market. Earlier reports indicated that five soldiers were killed, while several bandits were also neutralised in the clash.
“Following the fierce battle, the troops neutralised six terrorists, forcing the rest to flee in disarray. Sadly, three soldiers paid the supreme price, while two others who were critically wounded later succumbed to their injuries,” Adewusi said.
The Army spokesperson noted that the ambush was part of a wider confrontation in ongoing security operations in Zamfara and Sokoto states, where troops recorded major breakthroughs against terrorists and bandits.
According to him, from September 8 to 10, troops intercepted terrorist logistics, including ransom money totalling over N20m, recovered more than 160 rustled livestock, and neutralised several terrorists during coordinated operations across Shinkafi, Gusau, Bukkuyum, and Tureta Local Government Areas.
He said the operation began with coordinated offensives along the Shinkafi–Katuru–Galadi–Tubali axis, where troops cleared terrorists’ hideouts in forested areas. Many of the bandits reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.
“Troops also carried out stop-and-search operations at Katuru Bridge, intercepting three suspects with N8.7 million. Later that day, two more suspects were arrested in a black Toyota Corolla with N14 million. Preliminary investigations revealed the money was ransom paid for locals abducted along Nigeria’s border with the Niger Republic. The suspects and the cash have been handed over to the relevant agencies for further investigation.
“In another operation, troops ambushed terrorists moving livestock rustled from Talata Mafara and Tureta LGAs to their hideouts in Bagega and Furagirke forests. The criminals fled with gunshot wounds, abandoning eight kidnapped victims and 21 sheep in Anka, while 143 rustled sheep were recovered in Tureta. The rescued victims have since been reunited with their families, while the livestock was handed over to the Chairmen of Bakura and Tureta LGAs,” Adewusi added:
The state army image-maker reiterated Army’s commitment to sustaining operations until terrorism and banditry are eradicated, urging members of the public to support security forces with credible and timely information to help restore peace across the North West and parts of the North Central.
