Troops of the Nigerian Army under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have overrun the stronghold of a notorious bandit leader, Gwaska Dan Karmi, in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, neutralising scores of armed fighters during a coordinated ground and air operation.
Confirming the report, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA Lieut. Col. Olaniyi Osoba said the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that more than 100 bandits had converged at the camp to plan large-scale attacks on surrounding communities and military supply routes. After days of sustained surveillance, ground forces of the 8 Division Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), moved to intercept the group on January 31, 2026.
According to military sources, troops encountered stiff resistance as the bandits attempted to flank and encircle advancing forces. The attackers were, however, overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical coordination of the troops. While many of the bandits were neutralised, others escaped with gunshot wounds. The camp was subsequently destroyed, and troops withdrew after securing the area.
The NAF is continuing interdiction missions to track and intercept fleeing elements, while ground troops maintain control of the general area to prevent regrouping.
The Army confirmed that some soldiers paid the ultimate price during the engagement, and that a combat support vehicle was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade and caught fire. The Nigerian Army said it honours the sacrifice of the fallen personnel and remains resolute in dismantling bandit networks and disrupting their logistics across the region.
The operation underscores ongoing efforts by security forces to degrade armed groups operating in north-west Nigeria and restore stability to affected communities.
