By Nigerian troops have recorded major successes against armed groups in the North-West and North-East, killing several fighters including senior militant commanders in two separate operations. The military confirmed that the coordinated offensives targeted bandit and terrorist strongholds in Zamfara and Borno States as part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and security.
In Zamfara State, ground troops backed by the Nigerian Air Force raided the camp of notorious bandit leader Gwaska Dan Karmi in Maru Local Government Area. According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 8 Division/Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma, intelligence had revealed that over 100 armed men were assembling to plan attacks on communities and military supply routes. Acting on the information, troops stormed the location on January 31, engaging the gunmen in a fierce battle that left many militants dead while others fled with injuries.
The Army disclosed that the bandits’ camp was destroyed and set ablaze after the successful assault, while air assets pursued escaping fighters. However, the operation came with losses as several soldiers were killed and a combat support vehicle was destroyed after being struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. Military authorities described the fallen personnel as heroes whose sacrifices would not be in vain.
Meanwhile, in Borno State, troops of Operation Hadin Kai eliminated a senior Boko Haram/ISWAP commander and 10 fighters during a night raid in Konduga Local Government Area. The operation, carried out around 11 p.m. in the Komala area, targeted Abu Khalid, identified as the second-in-command to the Boko Haram faction operating in the Sambisa Forest. Military sources said he played a key role in coordinating terrorist logistics and attacks across the region.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, confirmed that the assault was conducted in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force under Operation Desert Sanity. He added that the mission followed the killing of another militant commander, Julaibib, in the Gujba axis a day earlier. Troops recovered five rifles, magazines, bicycles and medical supplies, with no casualties recorded among security forces.
Military commanders commended the bravery and professionalism of troops in both theatres and urged them to maintain the offensive against criminal elements. They reaffirmed their commitment to sustained clearance operations across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle and bandit-infested communities in the North-West until lasting peace is achieved.
