By Daruba Farouk
National News
A Nigerian Army officer and a police officer have been killed during a gun battle with terrorists after troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA successfully repelled an attack on a Forward Operating Base in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The military also rescued nine abducted civilians during a follow-up operation against the fleeing attackers.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division and Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the attack occurred at about 1:40 a.m. on Saturday when armed terrorists attempted to infiltrate the Forward Operating Base at Kasuwan Daji under the cover of darkness.
According to the statement, troops detected the movement of the attackers early and responded with coordinated firepower, forcing the terrorists to abandon their mission and retreat with heavy casualties.
Following the initial exchange, reinforcements were deployed and launched a pursuit of the fleeing gunmen, who had abducted several residents from nearby communities during the attack.
The operation resulted in the rescue of nine kidnapped civilians, who were recovered safely.
The Army, however, confirmed that one Army officer and one police officer lost their lives during the fierce gun battle, while two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds. The injured personnel were evacuated by air for advanced medical treatment and are said to be in stable condition.
The military added that troops have secured the area and are carrying out exploitation operations to determine the full extent of the terrorists’ casualties while ensuring the safety of surrounding communities.
The Army also dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that six security personnel were killed during the incident, describing the reports as false.
It reaffirmed the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to intensify offensive operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace across the North-West.
