In a decisive show of force against armed criminal networks in Nigeria’s North-West, troops of the 8 Division Nigerian Army under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have overrun the stronghold of notorious bandit kingpin, Gwaska Dan Karmi, neutralizing scores of fighters in a high-intensity military assault.
The operation followed days of intelligence gathering and surveillance which revealed that more than 100 armed bandits had converged at the camp to plan coordinated attacks on nearby communities and military supply routes.
Confirming the success of the mission in a statement, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, said the troops, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, intercepted the criminals on January 31st, 2026, after acting on credible intelligence.
According to military sources, the bandits attempted to mount a flanking and encirclement manoeuvre when contact was made. However, they were quickly overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical coordination of the Nigerian forces. Many of the assailants were eliminated in the exchange, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Following the successful clearance of the area, the bandits’ camp was set ablaze to prevent its future use as an operational base.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has launched ongoing interdiction missions to track and intercept fleeing remnants, as ground troops maintain firm control over the region.
The military, however, confirmed casualties on its side. Some soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, while one combat support vehicle was struck by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade and subsequently caught fire.
Lieutenant Colonel Osoba noted that the Nigerian Army honours the bravery and sacrifice of the fallen heroes, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to dismantling bandit networks and restoring lasting security across affected communities.
As Operation FANSAN YAMMA continues to gather momentum, military authorities maintain that combat efficiency remains high, with sustained efforts underway to disrupt the logistics, leadership structures and mobility of armed groups across the region.
