Troops of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have killed scores of bandits loyal to fugitive terrorist leader Gwaska Dan Karemi in a fierce gun battle in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The operation, conducted on January 31, 2026, followed credible intelligence that over 100 bandits had gathered at a camp to plan large-scale attacks on communities and military supply routes.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2, said the raid was preceded by days of intensive surveillance. Ground troops, backed by the Nigerian Air Force, intercepted the bandits, triggering a heavy firefight after the terrorists attempted to flank and encircle the soldiers.

“The bandits were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of our troops,” Osoba said, adding that many bandits were neutralized, while others fled with gunshot injuries. The military subsequently destroyed the bandits’ camp before withdrawing.

Osoba noted that the Nigerian Air Force continues to track fleeing bandits, while ground troops maintain dominance in the area. He also confirmed that some soldiers lost their lives in the operation.

“The Nigerian Army honours the sacrifice of our fallen heroes and remains committed to dismantling bandit networks and disrupting their supply chains across the region,” he added.