Crime
PHOTOS: Five soldiers and one police officer k!lled as troops respond heroically to terrorist ambush in Zamfara
Five soldiers and a police officer have been killed following a terrorist ambush on troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Joint Task Force North West, along the Bingin-Kekun Waje-Gusau Roa in Zamfara State.
The incident occurred on Monday, January 19, 2026 while troops were returning from a series of successful offensive operations in Birnin Magaji and Anka areas of the state during which three suspects were arrested, while four terrorists were neutralised.
Media information Officer, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Captain David Adewusi, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, 20 January said while responding to a distress call on a terrorist reprisal attack, the troops were ambushed by terrorists at Gidan Wagni.
“Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Joint Task Force North West, have demonstrated exceptional bravery, professionalism, and resilience following a terrorist ambush along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau Road in Zamfara State on 19 January 2026,” the statement read.
“The ambush followed a series of successful offensive operations conducted from 17 to 19 January 2026, when troops of Sector 2 OPFY, in conjunction with the OPFY Mobile Strike Team and DIA Tactical Support Team, carried out coordinated raids, ambushes, and fighting patrols across Birnin Magaji and Anka areas of Zamfara State.
“During these operations, three suspects—Isiya Kwakwatawa, Ibrahim Dan Musulu, and Makau Lamba Goma—were arrested, while four terrorists were neutralised and others fled into the forest.
“Items recovered included 1 PKT machine gun, 5 AK-47 rifles, 3 Ak 47 magazines, other items are rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, Baofeng radios,3 motorcycles.
“While returning from these operations and responding to a distress call on terrorist reprisal attack , troops of OPFY Combat Team 1, came under attack by terrorists at Gidan Wagni while en route to Kekun Waje.
“Despite the surprise of the ambush, the troops responded gallantly, engaging the terrorists and preventing further harm to nearby communities.
“Regrettably, five soldiers and one police officer paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter.
“Upon receipt of the distress report, the OPFY Mobile Strike Team, in conjunction with troops of 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force from Forward Operating Bases Kanoma and Kekun Waje, swiftly mobilised to the scene.
“The reinforcement was personally led by the Commander 1 Brigade, underscoring the high level of coordination, and commitment within the operation.
“The combined force mounted a robust counter-ambush which forced the terrorists to withdraw, with credible intelligence indicating that notorious bandits kingpin JANWUYA and ALHAJI BELLO the 2iC to KACHALLA SOJA seriously injured during the encountered some of the fleeing elements sustained gunshot injuries. Troops, supported by community vigilantes, subsequently conducted pursuit while further exploitation and offensive operations continue.
“Operation FANSAN YAMMA assures the public that the situation is under control and remains fully committed to protecting lives and properties of innocent citizens while sustaining pressure on terrorist elements, and restoring lasting peace across the Joint Operations Area.
“The Theatre Commander has condoled with commander sector 2 on this loss and further commended the troops for their courage, sacrifice, and professionalism.
“Additionally he encouraged members of the public to remain calm and continue to support ongoing security efforts through timely and credible information.”
FOLLOW US ON:
Crime
PHOTOS: N10 billion Cocaine, Loud, opioids intercepted at Lagos ports as NDLEA arrests kingpins
A 55-year-old businessman, Onuigbo Ndubisi Chinedu, who deals in clothing at the popular Balogun market, Lagos Island, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over an attempt to export 3.30 kilograms of cocaine concealed in the walls of cartons used to package foodstuffs going to the United Kingdom.
According to Femi Babafemi, spokesperson of the agency, Onuigbo was arrested on Thursday, 23rd July 2026, following the interception of his cocaine consignment at the export shed of the Lagos airport the previous day, Wednesday 22nd July by NDLEA operatives.
NDLEA arrests Lagos businessman, others over N10 billion cocaine trafficking; intercepts consignment of tramadol buried in containers of black soap
Babafemi said in the course of investigation, three cargo agents identified as Nkwor Onyekachukwu Justina; Adeleke Abiola Taoheed; and Ukanwa Grace Pilgrim, who handled the shipment, were initially arrested, leading to the arrest of Kenneth Okakpu who delivered the consignment to the cargo agents for shipment to the UK.
The NDLEA spokesperson said Okakpu’s arrest provided the lead to identifying Onuigbo as the kingpin behind the syndicate and his eventual arrest while attempting to send another consignment of cocaine to the UK.
NDLEA arrests Lagos businessman, others over N10 billion cocaine trafficking; intercepts consignment of tramadol buried in containers of black soap
He mentioned that a 31-year-old entrepreneur, Emmanuella Chukwu-Edo, also involved in illicit drug trafficking, was on Tuesday, 21st July, arrested at her Surulere, Lagos residence by NDLEA operatives following the seizure of her consignment of 2.80kg Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, which arrived from the United States aboard a United Airlines flight on Monday, 20th July.”
NDLEA arrests Lagos businessman, others over N10 billion cocaine trafficking; intercepts consignment of tramadol buried in containers of black soap
In a related development, NDLEA officials seized a consignment of tramadol buried in containers of black soap heading to the UK. The shipment was intercepted by NDLEA operatives at a courier firm in Lagos on Wednesday, 22nd July.
FOLLOW US ON:
A man accused of stealing cables was paraded in the Amarata area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The suspect was apprehended in the early hours of Sunday, 26th July, 2026 by a vigilante group at Ompadec, Amarata, while allegedly stealing electrical cables from a home.
According to residents, cable theft has become a recurring problem in the area, leaving them feeling vulnerable.
They expressed relief following his apprehension.
FOLLOW US ON:
Reps order IG to produce fake, PFIPC agency DG Adeyemi within 48 hours
Forged state house letter used to create fake PFIPC agency, Acct-General reveals
See full list of African countries that do not need proof of funds for UK’s student visa
‘Sleeping Prince’ of Saudi Arabia dies after 20 years in coma
How A Class Of 24 Students Produced 2 Presidents, 4 Governors, 2 Ministers, 4 Emirs, 3 Justices, 4 Ambassadors and Other Influential Leaders
2027: Atiku delays ADC membership card collection amid rumoured Jonathan comeback
The Nigerian Civil War officially ended in 1970—but has the mindset it created truly disappeared?
Video – Chief Imam of Yorubaland Makes Bold Promises to the People of Kogi State
Chief Imam of Yorubaland Visits the Palace of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo to Strengthen Yoruba Unity
-
News10 hours agoFG budgets nearly N1tn for empowerment, SUVs amid rising borrowing pressure
-
Sports10 hours ago
Chukwueze set for crunch pre-season tasks
-
Politics10 hours ago
APC drafts Omisore into 276-member Osun gov campaign council
-
Videos19 hours ago
🇳🇬 Nigeria Is Moving Forward – Kaduna–Lokoja Super Highway Inspires Hope!
-
Sports10 hours ago
Flying Eagles face Ghana in WAFU B opener
-
Politics10 hours agoObasanjo’s role in Obi-Kwankwaso ticket sparks fresh controversy
-
Sports10 hours ago
See you on the pitch, Okoronkwo replies racists
-
News9 hours ago
Why I blocked terrorists when my wife was abducted – Oyo principal’s husband
