Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division, operating under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have stormed and overrun the stronghold of notorious bandit kingpin Gwaska Dan Karmi, neutralising scores of fighters during a major offensive.
The operation, carried out on January 31, 2026, followed credible intelligence indicating that more than 100 bandits had converged at the camp to plan large-scale attacks on nearby communities and military supply routes.
After days of surveillance, ground troops, supported by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), moved in to intercept the group.
According to the Army, a fierce gun battle erupted when the bandits attempted to flank and encircle the advancing troops. However, the assault was repelled with superior firepower.
“While many of the bandits were eliminated during the encounter, others fled with gunshot wounds,” the Army said. The camp was subsequently set ablaze before troops withdrew in line with operational plans.
The NAF is currently conducting interdiction missions to track and intercept fleeing remnants, while ground forces continue to dominate the area and disrupt bandit escape routes.
The Army confirmed that some soldiers paid the supreme price during the operation, and one combat enabler vehicle was hit by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade, causing it to catch fire.
“The Nigerian Army honours the sacrifice of the fallen gallant soldiers and remains resolute in its mission to dismantle bandit networks and their supply chains,” the statement said, adding that combat efficiency remains high across the sector.
The statement was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
