Operatives of the 8 BBQ of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, has overran the camp of notorious bandit leader Gwaska Dan Karmi, in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State., killing scores of bandits.
Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army,Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba,, in a statement made available to Newsmen on Sunday, said the successful operation followed credible intelligence that more than 100 armed bandits had assembled at the camp to coordinate large-scale attacks on local communities and military supply routes.
According to the statement, after days of sustained surveillance, ground troops supported by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) engaged the bandits on January 31, 2026. A fierce gun battle ensued when the criminals attempted to flank and encircle the advancing troops.
“However, they were overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres of the Nigerian Army,”the statement said.
Many of the bandits were neutralised during the exchange, while others escaped into surrounding areas with gunshot wounds. The camp was later set ablaze before the troops carried out a tactical withdrawal,” he said.
The Army disclosed that the NAF is currently conducting aerial interdiction missions to intercept fleeing bandits, while ground forces continue to dominate the general area and prevent regrouping.
The statement, however, confirmed that some soldiers paid the supreme price during the encounter. It also revealed that a combat enabler vehicle was hit by an enemy Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) and subsequently caught fire.
Lt. Col. Osoba said the Nigerian Army honours the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers and remains resolute in its commitment to dismantling bandit networks and restoring peace across the North-West.
He added that troop morale and combat efficiency remain high as operations continue to disrupt bandits’ logistics and supply chains throughout the region.
