Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division, operating under Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma, have overrun the camp of notorious bandit leader Gwaska Dan Karmi in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, neutralising scores of bandits after a fierce gun battle.
The operation followed credible intelligence indicating that more than 100 armed bandits had converged at the hideout to plan large-scale attacks on local communities and military supply routes.
It was reported that after days of sustained surveillance, ground troops supported by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF)—launched a coordinated assault on January 31, 2026.
The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lt. Olaniyi Osoba, disclosed this in a statement shared on the Nigerian Army’s Facebook page on Sunday.
According to statement, troops encountered stiff resistance as the bandits attempted a flanking and encirclement manoeuvre.
The attack was, however, repelled by the superior firepower and tactical coordination of the security forces.
While many of the assailants were neutralised during the engagement, others fled with gunshot wounds.
The camp was subsequently set ablaze before troops withdrew.
The NAF is continuing interdiction missions to track and intercept fleeing remnants, while ground forces maintain dominance of the area to prevent regrouping and further attacks.
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The military confirmed that some soldiers paid the supreme price during the encounter.
In addition, one combat enabler vehicle was hit by an enemy-fired rocket-propelled grenade and caught fire.
The Nigerian Army paid tribute to the fallen personnel, describing their sacrifice as a testament to courage and commitment to national security.
The military said combat efficiency remains high, with ongoing operations aimed at dismantling bandit networks and disrupting their supply chains across the North-West region.
