An ambush was in the offing!
It was just after dawn when Troops of Sector 1 Dansadau, began their routine patrol along the dusty, narrow road that cut through the dense, unforgiving terrain in the North West of Zamfara, Nigeria.
The road, from Mashayar Zaki area on the Dansadau – Yar Galadima road in Maru LGA, though familiar, was often treacherous.
It wound through the outskirts of a notorious area where enemy attacks were a constant threat.
The patrol convoy was driving through a narrow, route to Hanutara, escorting soldiers going on pass and a convoy of civilian vehicles heading to the market, when they were suddenly ambushed by enemy fire.
With bullets spraying from all sides, the driver made a quick decision. Instead of retreating, he floored the accelerator, swerving through gunfire.
He gripped the steering wheel tighter and continued accelerating in a bid to escape the ambush.
Despite intensified enemy fire with bullets shattering on the vehicle, his focus was unwavering.
Though, one soldier paid the supreme price while four others got minor injuries in the attack, but the driver’s act of bravery saved his entire crew from being killed.