Troops of the Nigerian Army have dealt a crushing blow to banditry under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, storming the stronghold of notorious kingpin Gwaska Dan Karmi and neutralising scores of his fighters in a decisive offensive.
The operation was executed by troops of 8 Division Nigerian Army, Sector 2, following actionable intelligence that exposed a major convergence of bandits at the hideout to plan coordinated attacks on communities and military logistics.
Military sources disclosed that intelligence reports indicated that over 100 armed bandits had assembled at the camp, prompting heightened surveillance and operational planning to prevent imminent large-scale assaults.
After days of sustained monitoring, ground forces, supported by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), moved in and intercepted the bandits on January 31, 2026, triggering a fierce engagement.
The bandits attempted to counter the assault through flanking and encirclement tactics, but were decisively overwhelmed by the superior firepower, coordination and resolve of the troops.
In the ensuing battle, many of the criminals were neutralised, while others fled the scene with gunshot wounds, abandoning their camp and equipment.
The bandits’ enclave was subsequently destroyed to deny the criminals any opportunity to regroup or reoccupy the location after the troops’ withdrawal.
The NAF component has continued interdiction and surveillance missions, targeting fleeing elements, as ground troops maintain firm dominance and security control of the area.
The Nigerian Army, however, confirmed that some gallant soldiers paid the supreme price in the line of duty, while a combat enabler vehicle was hit by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade and engulfed in flames.
While honouring the fallen heroes, the Army reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to dismantling bandit networks, disrupting their supply chains, and restoring lasting peace across the region under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.