Five Nigerian soldiers and one police officer were killed when suspected bandits ambushed a joint security patrol in Zamfara State, the Nigerian Army has confirmed.
The attack occurred on Monday, January 19, 2026, along the Bingi–Kekun Waje–Gusau Road, near Gidan Wagni, as troops attached to Operation FANSAN YAMMA were returning from clearance operations in Birnin Magaji and Anka areas of the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the army said the troops were responding to a distress call when they came under sudden and heavy gunfire from armed bandits who had laid an ambush along the route.
“During the encounter, five soldiers and one police officer paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty,” the statement said, adding that several of the attackers were injured during the exchange of fire.
According to the military, reinforcements from the Operation FANSAN YAMMA Mobile Strike Team and the 1 Brigade Quick Reaction Force were immediately deployed to the area, forcing the bandits to retreat and preventing further attacks on nearby communities.
The army disclosed that prior to the ambush, troops had conducted coordinated offensive operations between Saturday, January 17, and Monday, January 19, 2026, during which several bandits were neutralised, three suspects were arrested, and arms, ammunition and communication equipment were recovered.
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Zamfara State remains one of the hotspots of banditry in Nigeria’s North-West, with repeated attacks on civilians and security personnel despite sustained military operations aimed at dismantling armed groups and restoring security.
The military said operations were ongoing to track down those responsible for the ambush and reassured residents that efforts were being intensified to secure the area.