The Nigerian military has confirmed the killing of five soldiers in Zamfara State after troops under Operation Fansan Yamma were ambushed by bandits along the Lilo–Kotorkoshi road in Gusau Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred on Monday while the soldiers were escorting traders to Gusau market, also left several terrorists dead.
In a statement on Saturday, OPFY spokesperson Captain David Adewusi said troops of the 1 Brigade Forward Operating Base in Lilo village came under heavy fire during the patrol.
“Following the fierce battle, the troops neutralised six terrorists, forcing the rest to flee in disarray,” he said. “Sadly, three soldiers paid the supreme price, while two others who were critically wounded later succumbed to their injuries.”
Despite the losses, Adewusi said troops recorded significant gains during a series of coordinated operations in Zamfara and Sokoto States between September 8 and 10. These included neutralising terrorists, intercepting ransom payments, and recovering livestock stolen by bandits.
According to him, security forces recovered over ₦20 million believed to be ransom money, seized more than 160 rustled animals, and cleared terrorist hideouts across Shinkafi, Gusau, Bukkuyum, and Tureta Local Government Areas.
“The operations began with coordinated offensives along the Shinkafi–Katuru–Galadi–Tubali axis, where troops cleared terrorists’ hideouts in the forests around Galadi and Tubali, forcing many to flee with gunshot wounds,” Adewusi said.
He added that stop-and-search operations also yielded results. “At Katuru Bridge, troops intercepted three suspects with ₦870,000. Later that day, two others were arrested in a black Toyota Corolla carrying ₦14 million”, he added.
The preliminary investigations also revealed the monies were ransom payments for abducted locals along Nigeria’s border with the Niger Republic.
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