Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled terrorist operations in Zamfara and Sokoto states, repelling an ambush, rescuing two abducted herders and recovering 520 livestock.
The military disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Tamuno Sinivie.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 2 encountered a coordinated terrorist ambush on October 28 while conducting a fighting patrol along the Anka–Guruzu Road in Zamfara State.
The patrol was launched following reports of terrorist activities along the route, with the troops coming under attack from armed men positioned on both sides of the road.
However, the troops responded with superior firepower, fought through the ambush and inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorists, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
The statement said the troops subsequently maintained control of the affected route, restoring freedom of movement for commuters and preventing further disruption of activities along the road.
It added that one soldier sustained a gunshot wound during the encounter and was promptly evacuated for medical attention. The injured soldier was reported to be in stable condition.
In a related operation, troops of Sector 2 on the same day foiled an attempt by terrorists to rustle livestock and abduct herders in Takasaba Village, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The military said the troops acted on credible intelligence about terrorist activities in the area and swiftly mobilised to confront the attackers.
The terrorists were reportedly overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower and forced to flee, abandoning 520 livestock and two abducted herders.
The rescued victims were identified as Malam Sulaiman, 50, and Nasiru Sulaiman, 14. They were subsequently handed over to the Sabon Birni Local Government authorities.
The military said the operations demonstrated the resilience, combat readiness and sustained offensive posture of troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in confronting terrorist groups, securing critical routes and protecting vulnerable communities across the North-West region.
The Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General W.B. Idris, commended the troops for their gallantry and fighting spirit.
He urged them to sustain the offensive against terrorist elements and intensify efforts to deny them freedom of action across the joint operations area.
Idris also reassured residents of the military’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and security in the region.
He called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against terrorists and other criminal groups.
