Troops of the 8 Division Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised scores of bandits during a fierce gun battle at the camp of notorious bandit leader Gwaska Dan Karmi in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The operation followed credible intelligence indicating that more than 100 bandits had converged at the camp to coordinate large-scale attacks on local communities and military supply routes. Acting on the intelligence, troops, after days of intensive surveillance, launched a coordinated assault on January 31, 2026, with support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
According to a statement released on February 1, 2026, by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the troops encountered stiff resistance as the bandits attempted to flank and encircle the advancing forces. However, the attackers were overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical coordination of the troops.
Many of the bandits were killed during the engagement, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. The camp was subsequently set ablaze before the troops tactically withdrew. The NAF is currently conducting interdiction missions to track and neutralise fleeing remnants, while ground forces continue to dominate the area.
The Army, however, confirmed that some soldiers paid the supreme price during the encounter, and one combat enabler vehicle was hit by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade, causing it to catch fire.
The Nigerian Army honoured the fallen soldiers for their sacrifice and reaffirmed its resolve to sustain offensive operations against bandit networks. It added that combat efficiency remains high as troops continue efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts and disrupt supply chains across the region.
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