Troops overrun bandit kingpin Gwaska Dan Karmi’s camp in major North-West offensive

Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have overrun the stronghold of notorious bandit leader Gwaska Dan Karmi, killing several bandits in a major offensive targeting terror networks in the North-West.

The operation, executed by troops of the 8 Division Nigerian Army with close air support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), followed actionable intelligence indicating that over 100 bandits had converged at the camp to plan coordinated attacks on rural communities and military logistics routes.

Military sources disclosed that the location had been under sustained surveillance for several days before troops launched the assault on January 31, 2026, describing the camp as a high-value target.

> “The intelligence revealed that the bandits were planning large-scale attacks on villages and military supply lines,” a source said.

As ground forces advanced, the bandits reportedly engaged the troops in a fierce firefight, attempting to flank and encircle them. However, they were overwhelmed by the superior coordination and firepower of the advancing forces.

> “Many of the bandits were neutralised, while others escaped with gunshot wounds,” the source added.

The camp, believed to be a major logistics and coordination hub for bandit operations across parts of Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina states, was destroyed during the operation. Troops set the facility ablaze before executing a tactical withdrawal, while NAF platforms carried out follow-on interdiction missions against fleeing bandits.

Gwaska Dan Karmi is regarded as one of the most feared bandit commanders in the region, with links to mass abductions, village raids and attacks on security formations. His network has reportedly operated for years from forest enclaves used as sanctuaries by criminal gangs.

The Nigerian Army confirmed that the operation came at a cost, with some soldiers paying the supreme price during the encounter. A combat enabler vehicle was also hit by a rocket-propelled grenade and destroyed.

Confirming the offensive, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, said the sacrifices of the fallen troops would not be in vain.

> “The Nigerian Army honours the gallantry and sacrifice of our fallen heroes. Their courage has significantly degraded bandit networks in this region,” Osoba said.

He added that troop morale remains high and operations would continue until banditry is dismantled across the area.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA, launched to restore security in the North-West, has intensified ground and air operations in recent months, targeting bandit enclaves, arms routes and leadership structures.

Security analysts say the latest raid represents a significant blow to criminal networks and underscores the military’s renewed push to reclaim ungoverned spaces and protect vulnerable communities.