Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have repelled an attempted terrorist attack on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Kasuwan Daji in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing several of the attackers and rescuing nine abducted civilians.

The Nigerian Army disclosed on Sunday that the attack occurred at about 1:40am on Saturday, when terrorists attempted to infiltrate the military base under the cover of darkness.

According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, vigilant troops detected the movement of the terrorists and responded with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat with heavy casualties.

He said reinforcements were immediately deployed after the initial engagement, while troops launched a 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 nine abducted locals, who were safely recovered," the statement said.

The military, however, confirmed that one Army officer and one police officer were killed during the fierce gun battle.

It added that two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and were airlifted to a medical facility for advanced treatment, noting that both personnel were in stable condition.

According to the Army, troops have since secured the area and commenced exploitation operations to determine the full extent of the terrorists' casualties while ensuring the safety of residents.

The military described the failed assault as another major operational setback for terrorists operating in the North-West, saying it reflected the growing pressure being mounted on criminal groups across the theatre of operation.

It noted that the outcome further demonstrated the increasing difficulty terrorists now face in carrying out coordinated attacks against combat-ready troops, thereby weakening their operational capability, morale and freedom of movement.

The Army also dismissed online reports claiming that six security personnel were killed during the incident, insisting that only one Army officer and one police officer lost their lives in the operation.

It reaffirmed that Operation FANSAN YAMMA would sustain offensive operations against terrorist groups until lasting peace and security are restored across the North-West region.