Troops of the Nigerian Army have raided the stronghold of notorious bandit leader Gwaska Dan Karmi in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing scores of bandits in a fierce gun battle, the military has said.
The operation, carried out by troops of 8 Division Nigerian Army under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, was launched after intelligence reports revealed that more than 100 bandits had converged at the camp to plan coordinated attacks on nearby communities and military supply routes.
According to the Army, the surprise assault on the camp followed several days of surveillance and was executed on January 31, 2026, with ground troops supported by air assets of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
In a statement signed on Sunday by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army, the troops encountered stiff resistance as the bandits attempted to escape.
“A fierce firefight ensued as the terrorists attempted a flanking and encirclement manoeuvre. However, they were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops,” the statement said.
The military said many of the bandits were neutralised during the encounter, while others fled with gunshot wounds. The camp was later set ablaze before the troops withdrew from the area.
The statement added that air and ground forces are continuing operations to prevent the escape of fleeing bandits.
“The Nigerian Air Force component is currently conducting interdiction missions to intercept the fleeing remnants, while ground troops maintain dominance over the area,” it noted.
The Army, however, confirmed casualties on its side during the operation.
“Regrettably, some gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the fierce encounter, and one combat enabler vehicle was hit by the enemy’s Rocket Propelled Grenade, which caught fire,” the statement said.
Lieutenant Colonel Osoba said the Nigerian Army honoured the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers and remained resolute in its campaign against banditry in the North-West.
“The Nigerian Army honours the fallen soldiers’ sacrifice and remains determined in its mission. Combat efficiency remains high as troops continue to dismantle bandit networks and disrupt their supply chains across the region,” he added.
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