Military Cracks Down on Notorious Bandit Kingpin, Gwaska Dan Marni,foils kidnap attempt in S/East

In a daring and well-coordinated operation, the Nigerian military has successfully cracked down on a notorious bandit kingpin, Gwaska Dan Marni, a known stronghold of bandits in the northwest region. The operation, which was carried by troops of 8 Division Nigerian Army operating under Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in the early hours of the […]

In a daring and well-coordinated operation, the Nigerian military has successfully cracked down on a notorious bandit kingpin, Gwaska Dan Marni, a known stronghold of bandits in the northwest region.

The operation, which was carried by troops of 8 Division Nigerian Army operating under Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in the early hours of the morning, resulted in the neutralization of scores of bandits and the destruction of their hideouts.

According to sources, the military operation was the culmination of weeks of intelligence gathering and strategic planning.

The actions were the latest in a seriestt5t of operations to combat activities of criminal gangs involved in abduction, collection of ransom, as well as the smuggling of arms, drugs, and guns.

The bandit leader, Gwaska Dan Marni, is believed to be responsible for violence and kidnapping for ransom in the area, according to different military sources.

Many of the bandits attempted to flee when confronted, according to military sources, but the troops successfully established a perimeter to cut off their escape and arrested scores of them and seized many high-powered firearms, ammunition and vehicles.

The military had been tracking the movements of the bandit kingpin, who has been terrorizing communities in the region for months, and had finally pinpointed his location.

The operation was carried out by a combined team of military personnel, who were deployed to the area in the dead of night.

The troops moved swiftly and decisively, taking out the bandits in a fierce gun battle that lasted for several hours.

Sources revealed that the bandit kingpin was among those neutralized during the operation.

Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division of the Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant colonel Olaniyi Osoba, confirmed the operation saying that troops In a fierce firefight successfully neutralise scores of bandits in the camp of notorious bandit leader Gwaska Dan Karmi after a fierce gun battle.

Osoba revealed that the operation was triggered by credible intelligence indicating that over 100 bandits had gathered at the camp to coordinate large-scale attacks on local communities and military supply lines.

“Following days of intensive surveillance, ground troops supported by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), intercepted the bandits on January 31, 2026.

“A fierce firefight ensued as the terrorists attempted a flanking and encircle manoeuver.

“However, they were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops While many bandits were eliminated, others fled with gunshot wounds.

“The Camp was set ablaze before the troops withdraw.The NAF component conducted interdiction missions to intercept the fleeing remnants, while ground troops maintain dominance over the area.

“Regrettably, some gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the fierce encounter and one combat enabler vehicle was hit by the enemy’s Rocket Propelled Gun,which caught fire.

“The Nigerian Army honours fallen soldiers’ sacrifice and remains determined in its mission. Combat efficiency remains high as troops continue to dismantle bandit networks and disrupt their supply chains across the region” he added.

Similarly, troops of Joint Task Force operating in the Southeast (JTF SE), code named Operation UDO KA also recorded another operational success following a rapid response to a distress call at about 6.55pm, on 20 February 2026, at 9th Mile axis, within the 82 Division Area of Responsibility.

The distress alert reported a suspected IPOB/ESN attack on commuters transiting to Anambra State.

Demonstrating exceptional vigilance and combat readiness, troops immediately mobilised to the scene to confront the criminals.

On arrival, the troops decisively engaged the armed elements, overwhelming them with superior firepower and tactical manoeuvre.

The swift and aggressive response forced the criminals to abandon their captives and flee into surrounding bushes.

As a result, five kidnapped victims were successfully rescued unhurt, while their vehicle was recovered intact, dealing a significant blow to the criminal network operating in the area.

Following the operation, troops sustained aggressive patrols and area domination to prevent regrouping, track fleeing suspects and deny criminal elements any freedom of action.

This sustained presence has reinforced public confidence, reassured commuters, and further degraded the operational capabilities of hostile actors across the sector.

The Nigerian Army, says it remains resolute and unyielding in its commitment to safeguarding lives, securing critical routes and dismantling all criminal and terrorist networks in the Southeast. Citizens are urged to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces, as collective vigilance and cooperation remain critical enablers in achieving lasting peace, stability and security across the region.