Troops of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have successfully stormed the stronghold of notorious bandit kingpin Gwaska Dan Karmi, neutralising scores of bandits following a fierce firefight.
The operation, executed by troops of the 8 Division Nigerian Army, was triggered by credible intelligence indicating that over 100 bandits had converged at the camp to coordinate large-scale attacks on surrounding communities and military supply routes.
After days of intensive surveillance, ground forces—supported by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF)—launched a coordinated assault on the enclave on 31 January 2026.
According to a press statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, troops intercepted the bandits, leading to a fierce gun battle as the criminals attempted to flank and encircle advancing forces. The attempt was thwarted as the troops, leveraging superior firepower and tactical coordination, overwhelmed the bandits.
Several terrorists were neutralised during the encounter, while others fled the scene with gunshot wounds. The bandit camp was subsequently set ablaze before troops tactically withdrew from the area. The NAF component is currently conducting interdiction missions to track and neutralise fleeing remnants, while ground forces continue to dominate the operational area.
The Nigerian Army, however, confirmed that some gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the encounter. Additionally, one combat enabler vehicle was struck by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade, resulting in a fire outbreak.
The Army honoured the fallen heroes for their bravery and sacrifice, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to dismantling bandit networks and disrupting their logistics and supply chains across the North-West. Combat efficiency, the statement noted, remains high as operations continue.
