By SUMAILA OGBAJE

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised scores of bandits during a coordinated ground and air operation on the camp of notorious bandit kingpin, Gwaska Dan Karmi, in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara.

The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.

Osoba said the operation was carried out by troops of the 8 Division under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

He said the operation followed credible intelligence that more than 100 bandits had assembled at the camp to plan large-scale attacks on nearby communities and military supply lines.

Osoba said that after days of sustained surveillance, ground troops, supported by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), stormed the bandits’ enclave on Jan. 31, leading to a fierce firefight.

He explained that the bandits attempted to flank and encircle the advancing troops but were overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres of the military.

According to him, many of the terrorists were neutralised, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Osoba added that the camp was set ablaze before the troops tactically withdrew from the area.

He said the NAF component was currently conducting interdiction missions to intercept fleeing bandits, while ground forces continued to dominate the area to prevent regrouping.

Osiba said the Nigerian Army remained resolute in its determination to sustain offensive operations against bandit groups across the North West region. (NAN)