Soldier and policeman killed as bandits attack Zamfara village

Several people have been kidnapped, and an army officer and a policeman were confirmed killed in Kasuwar Daji village, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

The incident happened on Sunday around 1:40 am.

An eyewitness, Musa Garba, told me on Sunday that over 70 people were taken by the bandits.

Garba said the bandits, who were very many, invaded the village early on Sunday. They took the villagers after killing two security operatives and some residents.

Garba, who survived the attack, said the bandits came in at about 1:40 am, shooting everywhere and searching house to house for their targets.

He explained that military personnel in the area worked with police and local vigilantes to stop the attack early, but they were outnumbered by the bandits.

He said, “We commend the military for their efforts to stop the attack, but sadly, the bandits ran into the forest with the people they kidnapped.

“The townspeople were running for their lives, while women and children were left behind.

“I have never seen such a terrible situation in my life, as you could hear animals screaming, while women and children were helpless.”

In a press release, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, said the military forced the bandits to retreat into the forest.

He confirmed that the bandits kidnapped an unknown number of residents during the attack.

Olaniyi said the military's strong defense led to heavy casualties for the bandits, causing them to flee in disorder, which allowed for the rescue of nine kidnapped civilians.

Olaniyi said, “The incident occurred around 1:40 am on 2 August 2026, when terrorists tried to use the darkness to attack the military base.

“Alert troops quickly noticed the movement and responded with strong firepower.

“The fierce resistance made the terrorists abandon their mission and retreat in confusion.

“After the initial fight, more troops came in, and they chased the fleeing terrorists, who had kidnapped an unknown number of residents.”

He also confirmed that one army officer and one policeman lost their lives, while two soldiers were injured.

He said, “Sadly, one army officer and one police officer paid the ultimate price during the heavy fight.

“Additionally, two soldiers were shot and were quickly evacuated by air for better medical care. Both are now stable.”

He added that troops have secured the area and are currently working to find out the full extent of the terrorists' losses and ensure the community's safety.

Lt. Col. Olaniyi reassured that Operation FANSAN YAMMA is committed to continued offensive actions, protecting vulnerable communities, and breaking down terrorist networks until peace and security are fully restored in the North-West.