Three soldiers have been killed in a gunfight with terrorists in the Maru council area in Zamfara. The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

The staterment also disclosed that troops of Operation Fansan Yamma under Sectors 1 and 2 have rescued three kidnap victims and arrested suspected terrorists in separate operations across Kaduna and Zamfara. The operations were conducted on June 18 and 20.

“On 18 June 2026, troops of Sector 1 OPFY responded swiftly to a distress call reporting the movement of armed bandits within a forest area in Kerawa, Igabi LGAs of Kaduna.

“Acting with speed and precision, the troops combed the area and successfully rescued Mrs Bilkisu Hayatu (38), Mrs Habibah Sadisu (30) and a one-year-old child, Abdulmutallib Sadisu, who had been abandoned by the fleeing criminals upon sighting the advancing troops,” the statement said.

The army said the rescued victims were immediately evacuated to a primary healthcare clinic in Kadage for medical attention.

It added that preliminary investigations revealed the victims had been kidnapped from Kajenjere Tami Village in Birnin Yero on May 17, 2026, and were being relocated to a terrorist hideout in Birnin Gwari before the troops intervened.

In another operation carried out in the early hours of June 20, troops of Sector 2, in conjunction with other security agencies, foiled a planned terrorist attack on Gamdanda Village in Gummi LGA of Zamfara.

According to the army, the troops laid a coordinated ambush on the outskirts of the Gummi community, engaging the terrorists and forcing them to flee under heavy fire.

The operation led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition, eight motorcycles and assorted food items, significantly disrupting the group’s operational capability.

The army also said troops of Sector 2, working with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency, carried out a covert operation in Zamfara that resulted in the arrest of four suspected violent extremists and informants.

It said several incriminating items were recovered, while the suspects remain in custody pending further investigation and possible prosecution.

In a separate operation, troops arrested a suspected terrorist identified as Muhammad Mamman after discrepancies in his account of his identity and activities raised suspicion.

The army said the suspect was undergoing further investigation. It added that troops of Sector 2, with reinforcement from 1 Brigade, repelled a terrorist attack in Maru LGA of Zamfara.

“The troops inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorists, as evidenced by blood trails observed along the criminals’ withdrawal route, indicating substantial losses. Regrettably, three gallant soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter.

“Additionally, troops of Sector 2 acted promptly on intelligence regarding the movement of terrorists riding motorcycles towards Tudun Barade and Badamma villages in Bakura LGA,” the statement added.