Nigerian troops have killed scores of bandits during a joint ground and air assault on a major bandit camp in Zamfara State, the army has said.
The operation targeted a hideout belonging to Gwaska Dan Karmi, a notorious bandit leader operating in Maru Local Government Area, according to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 8 Division.
Osoba said the raid was conducted by troops under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA after intelligence revealed that more than 100 bandits had gathered at the camp to plan coordinated attacks on nearby communities and military logistics routes.
Following days of surveillance, ground forces, backed by the Nigerian Air Force, stormed the camp on 31 January, leading to a fierce gun battle. The bandits reportedly attempted to encircle the troops but were overwhelmed.
Many of the fighters were killed, while others escaped with gunshot injuries. The camp was subsequently destroyed, the army said.
Air force assets are continuing interdiction missions to pursue fleeing bandits, while soldiers maintain a strong presence in the area to prevent regrouping.
The army said it remained determined to intensify operations against bandit groups across Nigeria’s North West.
