By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division, operating under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have stormed the stronghold of notorious bandit leader Gwaska Dan Karmi, neutralising scores of fighters during a fierce gun battle.
The operation followed credible intelligence indicating that more than 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 and intercepted the criminals on January 31, 2026.
A statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, said the bandits attempted to flank and encircle the troops during the engagement.
However, the criminals were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the military. While many were eliminated on the spot, several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds. The camp was subsequently set ablaze before troops withdrew from the area.
The NAF component is currently carrying out interdiction missions to intercept fleeing remnants, while ground troops continue to maintain dominance and consolidate control over the environment.
The Army, however, confirmed that some soldiers paid the supreme price during the encounter. In addition, a combat support vehicle was hit by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade, causing it to catch fire.
The Nigerian Army honoured the sacrifice of the fallen personnel and reaffirmed its resolve to sustain operations aimed at dismantling bandit networks and disrupting their supply chains across the region.
Military authorities assured that troop morale and combat efficiency remain high as the campaign against banditry continues.
