OPFY Troops Thwart Ambush, Recover 520 Cows, Kill 2 Bandits in Northwest 

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have thwarted a terrorist ambush along the Anka–Guruzu road in Zamfara State, rescued two abducted herders, and recovered 520 rustled livestock in Sokoto State.

In a statement by the Media and Information officer Captain Tamuno Sinivie, the operational successes were recorded on October 28, 2026, when troops of Sector 2 engaged terrorists in a heavy firefight during a clearing patrol in Zamfara State. Despite coming under attack from both sides of the road, the gallant troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to retreat in disarray and restoring free movement for commuters along the axis. 

One soldier who sustained a gunshot injury during the encounter has been evacuated and is currently in stable condition.

Captain Tamuno said, in a related development in Sokoto State, troops responding to credible intelligence foiled a rustling and abduction attempt at Taketsaba Village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. The troops engaged the fleeing terrorists with superior firepower, securing the release of 50-year-old Malam Sulaiman and 14-year-old Nasiru Sulaiman, along with 520 recovered livestock, all of which have been handed over to the Sabon Birni Local Government authorities.

He noted that, while commending the gallantry of the personnel, the Theatre Commander, Major General Warrah B Idris, urged the troops to maintain the offensive momentum, while reassuring residents of the region of the military's ongoing commitment to restoring lasting peace and security.