Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division, operating under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded a major operational success after storming the stronghold of notorious bandit kingpin Gwaska Dan Karmi in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, neutralising scores of bandits.
The operation followed credible intelligence indicating that more than 100 armed bandits had converged at the camp to coordinate large-scale attacks on surrounding communities and military supply routes. After days of intensive surveillance, ground troops, supported by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), launched a coordinated assault on January 31, 2026.
A fierce gun battle ensued as the bandits attempted to flank and encircle advancing troops. However, the criminals were overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres of the security forces. While many bandits were neutralised during the encounter, several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Following the clearance of the area, the bandit camp was destroyed to deny the criminals a return base. The NAF component is currently conducting aerial interdiction missions to track and eliminate fleeing remnants, while ground troops continue to dominate the general area.
The Nigerian Army, however, confirmed that some gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the encounter. In addition, one combat enabler vehicle was hit by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade and subsequently caught fire.
The Army honoured the fallen heroes for their bravery and sacrifice, reaffirming its resolve to sustain offensive operations against bandit networks. Military authorities said troop morale and combat efficiency remain high as operations continue to dismantle criminal enclaves and disrupt bandit supply chains across the North-West region.