Troops of the Nigerian Army under Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma have neutralised scores of bandits during a raid on the camp of notorious kingpin Gwaska Dan Karmi after a fierce gun battle.

The operation followed credible intelligence indicating that more than 100 bandits had converged on the camp to coordinate large-scale attacks on local communities and military supply lines. After days of surveillance, ground troops, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, intercepted the group on January 31, 2026.

A firefight broke out as the bandits attempted to flank and encircle the troops, but they were overwhelmed by superior firepower. Many were killed, while others fled with gunshot wounds. The camp was later set ablaze as troops withdrew. Air Force assets are conducting interdiction missions to track fleeing remnants, while ground forces continue to dominate the area.

The military confirmed that some soldiers were killed in the encounter and that a combat enabler vehicle was hit by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade and caught fire.

In a statement, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma, said the Army honoured the fallen soldiers and remained resolute in dismantling bandit networks and disrupting their supply chains across the region.

Meanwhile, troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East) under Operation Hadin Kai recorded another success with the killing of Abu Khalid, identified as the Boko Haram second-in-command in the Sambisa Forest, alongside 10 other terrorists during a night operation in Borno State.

Abu Khalid was described as a key figure responsible for coordinating operations and logistics in the Sambisa axis. Troops also eliminated Boko Haram/ISWAP commander Julaibib in the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, before engaging terrorists in the Komala area of Konduga Local Council during a night offensive at about 11:00 p.m., in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force under Operation Desert Sanity.

Following the engagements, troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, magazines, bicycles, assorted logistics and food items, as well as large quantities of medical supplies. No casualties were recorded among government forces in the Borno operations.

The task force said morale remained high as clearance operations continued across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains and Timbuktu Triangle, reaffirming its commitment to sustaining the offensive until all terrorist elements are neutralised and lasting peace and economic stability are restored to the North East.