Some soldiers have lost their lives in a heavy exchange of fire with notorious bandits in Maru Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

A statement released on Sunday by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2, and shared on the Nigerian Army X handle, confirmed that scores of bandits in the camp of notorious leader Gwaska Dan Karmi were neutralised during the operation.

According to Osoba, the raid was launched after credible intelligence revealed that over 100 bandits had gathered in the camp to plan large-scale attacks on nearby communities and military supply routes.

“Following several days of surveillance, ground troops, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, intercepted the bandits on January 31, 2026,” the statement said.

He added that a fierce firefight broke out as the bandits attempted to flank and encircle the troops. While many of the attackers were eliminated, some fled with gunshot injuries. The bandits’ camp was set on fire before the soldiers withdrew.

The NAF is reportedly conducting missions to intercept fleeing bandits, while ground troops continue to maintain control over the area.

“Unfortunately, some brave soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice, and one combat support vehicle was destroyed after being hit by a Rocket-Propelled Grenade,” Osoba said.

He commended the fallen soldiers’ dedication and emphasized the army’s ongoing commitment to dismantling bandit networks and disrupting their supply lines.

The operation is part of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, aimed at tackling armed banditry in the region, where communities have long been terrorized through kidnappings, raids, and extortion.