Troops raid bandit leader Gwaska Dan Karmi’s hideout, kill scores in Zamfara raid

Troops of the Nigerian Army have dealt a heavy blow to bandit groups in Zamfara State after launching a successful assault on the stronghold of notorious bandit kingpin, Gwaska Dan Karmi, killing several fighters during a fierce gun battle.

The military confirmed that the raid took place in Maru Local Government Area, a region that has long struggled with banditry and repeated attacks on communities.

The operation was carried out by troops of the 8 Division Nigerian Army under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA. It followed actionable intelligence indicating that more than 100 bandits had gathered at the camp to plan coordinated assaults on nearby villages and military supply routes.

According to the Army, the surprise assault on the camp followed several days of surveillance and was executed on January 31, 2026, with ground troops supported by air assets of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

In a statement signed  on Sunday by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army, the troops encountered stiff resistance as the bandits attempted to escape.

“A fierce firefight ensued as the terrorists attempted a flanking and encirclement manoeuvre. However, they were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops,” the statement said.

The military said many of the bandits were neutralised during the encounter, while others fled with gunshot wounds. The camp was later set ablaze before the troops withdrew from the area.

The statement added that air and ground forces are continuing operations to prevent the escape of fleeing bandits.

“The Nigerian Air Force component is currently conducting interdiction missions to intercept the fleeing remnants, while ground troops maintain dominance over the area,” it noted.

The Army, however, confirmed casualties on its side during the operation.

“Regrettably, some gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the fierce encounter, and one combat enabler vehicle was hit by the enemy’s Rocket Propelled Grenade, which caught fire,” the statement said.

Lieutenant Colonel Osoba said the Nigerian Army honoured the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers and remained resolute in its campaign against banditry in the North-West.

“The Nigerian Army honours the fallen soldiers’ sacrifice and remains determined in its mission. Combat efficiency remains high as troops continue to dismantle bandit networks and disrupt their supply chains across the region,” he added.