Troops of the Nigerian Army under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have overrun a major bandit stronghold belonging to notorious kingpin Gwaska Dan Karmi in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, neutralising scores of bandits during a fierce gun battle.
The operation was confirmed in a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba.
According to the statement, the offensive followed credible intelligence indicating that over 100 bandits had assembled at the camp to plan coordinated attacks on nearby communities and military supply routes.
Lieutenant Colonel Osoba disclosed that after days of sustained surveillance, ground troops, supported by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), launched a coordinated assault on the hideout on January 31, 2026 and the troops reportedly intercepted the bandits, who attempted to flank and encircle the advancing forces, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire.
The statement noted that the troops, aided by superior firepower and air support, overwhelmed the criminals, resulting in the neutralisation of many bandits, while others fled with gunshot wounds.
It says the bandits’ camp was subsequently destroyed before the troops tactically withdrew from the area.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force is conducting ongoing interdiction missions to track and neutralise fleeing bandits, as ground forces continue to dominate the area to prevent regrouping and further threats.
The Army also confirmed that some soldiers paid the supreme price during the operation, while one combat enabler vehicle was hit by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade and caught fire.
REL/AMINU DALHATU
