The Nigerian Army has overrun the stronghold of a notorious bandit kingpin, Gwaska Dan Karmi, in Sokoto State.

A military source told Punch that the operation was carried out by troops of the Nigerian Army under Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma after intelligence emerged that more than 100 bandits had converged at the camp to plan large-scale attacks on rural communities and military logistics routes.

The troops were backed with close air support from the Nigerian Air Force.

According to the source, the location had been placed under sustained surveillance for several days before the assault was launched on January 31, 2026.

“The intelligence revealed that the bandits were planning coordinated attacks on villages and military supply lines, making the camp a high-value target,” the source said.

As ground troops advanced, the bandits engaged them in a fierce firefight, attempting to flank and encircle the soldiers.

They were, however, overwhelmed by the superior firepower and coordination of the troops.

“The bandits fought desperately, but our troops maintained fire superiority. Many were neutralised, while others fled with gunshot wounds,” the source added.

The camp, believed to have served as 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 to track and strike fleeing elements.

“The Air Force is currently monitoring and engaging escaping bandits to prevent regrouping,” the source said.

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

The Nigerian Army, however, 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 set ablaze.

Confirming the operation, 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.

“Combat efficiency remains high. Our troops will sustain pressure, disrupt supply chains and deny these criminals freedom of action across the area,” he said. PUNCH