Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division, operating under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised scores of bandits loyal to notorious fugitive terrorist leader Gwaska Dan Karemi during a major operation in Zamfara State.
The gun battle occurred in Maru Local Government Area following credible intelligence on the movement and activities of the armed group, according to Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in a statement .
He said the operation was preceded by days of intensive surveillance.
According to him, intelligence reports revealed that over 100 bandits had converged at a camp to plan coordinated large-scale attacks on local communities and military supply routes.
“Following days of sustained surveillance, ground troops, supported by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), intercepted the bandits on January 31, 2026,” Osoba said.
Read also: Bandits kill three policemen, injure two in Katsina
He explained that a fierce firefight ensued after the terrorists attempted to flank and encircle the troops, but were repelled by superior firepower.
“Many of the bandits were neutralised, while others fled with gunshot wounds. The camp was subsequently set ablaze before the troops tactically withdrew,” he added.
Osoba further noted that the NAF component of the operation is currently conducting interdiction missions to track and eliminate fleeing bandits, while ground troops continue to dominate the area.
However, he confirmed that the army recorded casualties during the encounter.
“Some gallant soldiers paid the supreme price in the line of duty, and a combat enabler vehicle was disabled after being hit by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade,” he said.
Osoba said the Nigerian Army honours the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers and remains committed to dismantling bandit networks and disrupting their supply chains across the region.
