Troops of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, 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, killing scores of armed fighters.
The development was confirmed in a press release issued on Sunday by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army.
According to the Army, the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that more than 100 bandits had gathered at the camp to coordinate large-scale attacks on surrounding communities and military supply routes.
After several days of sustained surveillance, troops—supported by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF)—launched an assault on January 31, 2026. A fierce gun battle broke out when the bandits attempted to flank and encircle the advancing soldiers.
However, the criminals were reportedly overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres of the Nigerian Army. Many of the bandits were neutralised during the exchange, while others fled into nearby areas with gunshot wounds.
Troops subsequently set the camp ablaze before conducting a tactical withdrawal from the location.
The Army disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force is continuing aerial interdiction missions aimed at intercepting fleeing bandits, while ground troops maintain dominance in the area to prevent the criminals from regrouping.
The statement also confirmed that some soldiers lost their lives during the encounter. Additionally, a combat enabler vehicle was struck by a bandit-fired rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) and later caught fire.
Lt. Col. Osoba said the Nigerian Army honours the sacrifice of the fallen personnel and remains committed to dismantling bandit networks and restoring peace across the North-West region.
He added that troop morale and operational effectiveness remain high as security forces continue efforts to disrupt bandits’ logistics and supply chains.
