Troops of 1 Division/Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), have foiled a banditry attack and neutralised one suspected violent extremist during a snap ambush operation in the Maraban Rido general area of Kaduna State.
The operation followed a distress call received late on 22 January 2026, reporting the presence of armed bandits who had rustled livestock in Anguwan Fulan village, within the Rido axis. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops deployed to the area and laid a hasty ambush.
On arrival, the troops made contact with the fleeing bandits and engaged them with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds.
The troops subsequently carried out aggressive exploitation of surrounding forested areas, including the Kankomi Forest, where another encounter occurred at a suspected crossing point around Anguwan Sarki.
During the engagement, the troops again overwhelmed the terrorists with a high volume of fire, compelling them to abandon their loot and flee in disarray. Some of the rustled livestock were recovered in the process.
Further exploitation of the ambush location in the early hours of 23 January 2026 led to the neutralisation of one terrorist. Troops also recovered two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, and 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed Wase, commended the gallant troops for their bravery and professionalism. He charged them to sustain the operational tempo in the continued pursuit of criminals and the clearance of their hideouts.
The GOC further reassured members of the public of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, while urging citizens to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
