By Bavoriat Clara
Troops of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised scores of bandits during a major offensive on a notorious bandit enclave linked to infamous kingpin, Gwaska Dan Karmi.
The operation followed a fierce gun battle after troops stormed the bandits’ camp, acting on credible intelligence that over 100 armed bandits had converged at the location to plan coordinated attacks on surrounding communities and military supply routes.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the intelligence-led operation was executed after days of sustained surveillance. Ground troops, with close air support from the Nigerian Air Force, intercepted the bandits on January 31, 2026.
He explained that a fierce firefight ensued when the bandits attempted to outflank and encircle the advancing troops. However, the attempt was foiled as the troops, leveraging superior firepower and tactical coordination, overwhelmed the criminals. Many of the bandits were neutralised during the engagement, while others fled the scene with gunshot wounds.
Lieutenant Colonel Osoba added that the bandits’ camp was subsequently set ablaze to deny the criminals any opportunity to regroup. He noted that the Nigerian Air Force component is currently conducting interdiction missions to track and intercept fleeing remnants, while ground troops continue to dominate the general area.
The statement, however, disclosed that the operation was not without cost, as some gallant soldiers paid the supreme price in the line of duty. In addition, one combat enabler vehicle was hit by an enemy-fired rocket-propelled grenade, resulting in it catching fire.
The Nigerian Army honoured the sacrifice of the fallen troops, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to dismantling bandit networks and disrupting their logistics and supply chains across the region. The Army assured that combat efficiency remains high as operations continue to restore peace and security in affected areas.
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