The Nigerian Army has recorded a major operational breakthrough in Zamfara State following a coordinated assault on a notorious bandit enclave in Maru Local Government Area.
The offensive, conducted by troops of the 8 Division Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YAMMA (1), resulted in the neutralisation of at least 20 armed terrorists and the destruction of a fortified camp linked to a feared bandit leader, Gwaska Dan Karmi.
Military authorities disclosed that the raid was the outcome of weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
Security reports had indicated that a large number of bandits had assembled at the camp to plan coordinated attacks on rural communities, security formations, and key supply routes within the region.
The camp, hidden deep within difficult terrain, was believed to serve as a command centre and logistics hub for criminal operations across parts of Zamfara and neighbouring states.
In a statement issued on Sunday, February 1, 2026, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 8 Division and Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (2), Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, confirmed that the operation was launched after actionable intelligence revealed that more than 100 armed fighters were present at the location.
He explained that troops carried out extensive reconnaissance to confirm the movement patterns of the bandits before advancing on the target.
The operation itself took place on January 31, with ground troops moving in alongside air support provided by the Nigerian Air Force.
According to the Army, the bandits attempted to repel the advancing forces by mounting a counterattack and attempting a flanking manoeuvre aimed at encircling the soldiers. This led to an intense exchange of fire that lasted several hours.
Despite the resistance, the troops maintained tactical superiority, eventually overwhelming the bandits through coordinated ground advances and aerial pressure.
Several of the terrorists were killed during the confrontation, while others escaped into surrounding forests with varying degrees of injuries.
Military sources said the fleeing elements are being actively tracked to prevent them from regrouping or launching retaliatory attacks.
Following the successful clearance of the area, the bandits’ camp was set ablaze to deny the criminals the opportunity of reoccupying the location.
Weapons, supplies, and other materials suspected to have been used for criminal activities were also destroyed.
The Army noted that denying bandits access to safe havens remains a key objective of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (3), as such camps often serve as staging grounds for kidnappings, raids, and ambushes.
The Nigerian Air Force has continued follow-up interdiction missions in the surrounding areas to intercept fleeing bandits and disrupt their escape routes.
Ground troops, meanwhile, have established control over the operational zone, conducting patrols and maintaining a visible presence to reassure residents and prevent a resurgence of criminal activity.
However, the military acknowledged that the operation came at a cost. The Army confirmed that some soldiers lost their lives during the fierce encounter, describing them as gallant personnel who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
In addition, one combat support vehicle was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade fired by the bandits, causing it to catch fire during the engagement.
Lieutenant Colonel Osoba stated that the Nigerian Army honours the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers and remains resolute in its mission to restore peace and stability across the North-West.
He added that morale among the troops remains high, and combat effectiveness has not been diminished by the losses.
Security analysts say the operation represents another significant blow to bandit networks operating in Zamfara State, particularly those aligned with Gwaska Dan Karmi, who has been linked to numerous violent incidents in the region.
By dismantling major camps and disrupting coordination among bandit groups, the military aims to reduce the frequency and scale of attacks on vulnerable communities.
Residents of nearby areas have welcomed the operation, expressing cautious optimism that sustained military pressure will lead to lasting improvements in security.
Many, however, have called on the government to complement military actions with long-term measures, including improved intelligence sharing, economic support for affected communities, and rehabilitation of displaced persons.
As the Army continues its campaign, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (4) remains a central pillar of Nigeria’s counter-banditry strategy in the North-West.
Military authorities insist that operations will be intensified until criminal networks are fully dismantled and normalcy is restored to affected areas.
The latest offensive underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to confronting armed banditry head-on.
With continued surveillance, coordinated air-ground operations, and community engagement, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (5) is expected to maintain pressure on remaining criminal elements, signaling that safe havens for bandits are steadily shrinking across Zamfara State.
