From Sidi Ibrahim Kaulahi, in Gusau
Armed bandits in their large numbers have invaded and abducted over seventy villagers after killing two security operatives and unidentified number of people in Kasuwar Daji District under Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State at the early hours of Sunday.
Narrating the incidence, a survivor of the attack identified as Inuwa Giranto said the bandits invaded the area at about 01:40am shooting sporadically and searching houses for their targeted victims while mentioning their names and location of their houses.
Inuwa Giranto further revealed that efforts were made by the military operatives stationed in the area in collaboration with Police personnel and local vigilantes to foil the attack at its early stage but failed due to intimidating number of the bandits and the calibre of weapons they carried.
“To our knowledge, the officer in charge of the military base had to communicate for reinforcement before the bandits retreated into the nearby forest along with unidentified number of people they already abducted.
“It was like the end of the world as the community members including helpless women and children were screaming for help, on the other side, sheep and even goats were bleating in great fears that turned the whole area into hell”, he said.
In a swift response, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army / Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, said troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kasuwan Daji, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, have decisively foiled an attempted infiltration by terrorists.
The successful defense of the base resulted in heavy casualties for the attackers, forcing them to retreat in disarray, and leading to the rescue of 9 abducted civilians.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:40am on 2 August 2026, when terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the military facility. Alerted troops swiftly detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated, overwhelming firepower. The fierce resistance compelled the terrorists to abandon their mission and withdraw in confusion.
“Following the initial engagement, reinforcements arrived and troops launched a hot pursuit of the fleeing terrorists, who had abducted an unspecified number of residents from the surrounding community during the attack. The relentless pursuit by the troops led to the rescue of 9 abducted locals, who were safely recovered.
“Regrettably, one Army officer and one Police officer paid the supreme price during the heavy firefight. Additionally, two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and were promptly evacuated by air for advanced medical care. Both personnel remain in stable condition. Troops have since secured and dominated the area, and are currently conducting exploitation operations to ascertain the full extent of the terrorists’ losses and ensure the safety of the community.
“This failed infiltration attempt represents yet another significant operational setback for the terrorists, capping a costly weekend for the group amid intensified military pressure across the North West Theatre. The outcome underscores the increasing difficulty these armed groups face in executing coordinated attacks against highly alert and combat-ready troops, further degrading their combat capability, morale, and freedom of action.
“Contrary to rumours circulating online that six personnel died. it is worthy to mention that only one Army officer and a policeman paid the supreme price.
“Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains resolute in its commitment to sustaining offensive operations, protecting vulnerable communities, and dismantling terrorist networks until lasting peace and security are fully restored across the North West”, the statement added.
