GUSAU — The Nigerian Army has successfully dismantled a major bandit network in the Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, neutralizing scores of terrorists in a high-stakes intelligence-led operation.
The offensive, conducted over the weekend, targeted the stronghold of the notorious bandit kingpin Gwaska Dan Karmi after surveillance revealed that over 100 fighters had gathered to plan large-scale attacks on local communities.
Victory at a Cost
Troops of the 8 Division, operating under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, intercepted the bandits with air support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). While the military successfully decimated the network and recovered several AK-47 rifles, the Army confirmed that a number of brave soldiers lost their lives during the intense close-quarter combat.
“The operation was a resounding success in terms of neutralizing the threat, but we paid a heavy price in the loss of our gallant men,” a military source stated. The exact number of casualties among the troops is currently being processed before formal notification to the families.
Disrupting the Terror Supply Chain
Intelligence reports indicate that this specific network was responsible for the surge in kidnappings along the Gusau-Funtua road. By destroying the group’s logistics base and neutralizing their field commanders, the military has significantly hampered the bandits’ ability to coordinate future raids in the North-West.
National Security Outlook
The Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), recently noted that while the security situation is improving, the military continues to face a complex, asymmetric enemy. He praised the resilience of the troops in Zamfara, describing their sacrifice as the foundation for the ongoing efforts to restore peace to the region.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has reportedly ordered an immediate consolidation of the gains made in the Maru axis to prevent the remnants of the group from regrouping.
