Troops of 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA in a fierce firefight successfully eliminated scores of bandits in the camp of notorious bandit leader, Gwaska Dan Karmi after a fierce gun battle in Maru Local Government of Zamfara State.
A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA on February 1, 2026 said the operation was triggered by credible intelligence revealing that over 100 bandits had gathered at the camp to coordinate large-scale attacks on local communities and military supply lines.
The statement said following days of intensive surveillance, ground troops supported by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), intercepted the bandits on January 31, 2026.
According to the statement, a fierce firefight ensued as the terrorists attempted a flanking and encircle maneuver. They were however, overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops while many bandits were eliminated as others fled with gunshot wounds, the statement added.
“The Camp was set ablaze before the troops withdraw.The NAF component is currently conducting interdiction missions to intercept the fleeing remnants, while ground troops maintain dominance over the area.
“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 Gun,which caught fire.
The Nigerian Army honours 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, the statement concluded.
