Troops raid bandit leader Dankami’s camp in Zamfara

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have raided the camp of a notorious bandit leader, Gwaska Dan Karmi, in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing at least 20 suspected terrorists and dismantling their stronghold.

A military source said the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that more than 100 bandits had gathered at the camp to plan coordinated attacks on nearby communities and disrupt supply routes.

The troops, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes, reportedly carried out surveillance on the location for about a week before launching the offensive.

Contact was made on January 31, 2026, when the bandits advanced towards the troops, leading to an intense gun battle. The attackers attempted to outflank the soldiers but were repelled by superior firepower, the source said.

At least 20 bandits were killed during the encounter, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. Follow-up operations are ongoing to track fleeing suspects and assess further losses.

Security forces also recovered assorted weapons and ammunition, bicycles, food items, medical supplies, clothing and other logistics materials from the site.

The camp, described as Dan Karmi’s operational base, was completely destroyed during the raid.

According to the source, troops involved in the mission remain highly motivated as efforts continue to dismantle criminal networks across the state.