…. As troops neutralise scores of bandit

The Nigerian Army says several soldiers have paid the ultimate price during a fierce firefight encounter with scores of bandits in the camp of notorious bandit leader Gwaska Dan Karmi in Maru Local Government of Zamfara State.

In a statement on Sunday, by Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA and, one combat enabler vehicle was hit by the enemy’s Rocket Propelled Gun, which caught fire.

According to the statement, the troops in a fierce firefight however successfully neutralised scores of the bandits.

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.

This was following days of intensive surveillance, ground troops supported by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), intercepted the bandits on January 31, 2026.

“A fierce firefight ensued as the terrorists attempted a flanking and encircle manoeuver. However, they were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops, while many bandits were eliminated, others fled with gunshot wounds.

“The Camp was set ablaze before the troops withdrew. The NAF component is currently conducting interdiction missions to intercept the fleeing remnants, while ground troops maintain dominance over the area.

“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.