…Some gallant soldiers paid the supreme price
Troops of 8 Division Nigerian Army operating under Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA have in a fierce firefight stormed terrorists camp and neutralised scores of bandits including notorious bandit leader Gwaska Dan Karmi.
The battle follows credible intelligence which revealed that over 100 bandits had gathered at the camp to coordinate large-scale attacks on local communities and military supply lines.
A statement by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba , Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation said that 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 is currently conducting interdiction missions to intercept the fleeing remnants, while ground troops maintain dominance over the area,” the statement added.
“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.”
In a related development , the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command (AOC TAC), Air Vice Marshal Michael Ekwueme, has assured troops of sustained and enhanced air support, including the deployment of additional air platforms to further mitigate operational challenges and consolidate operational gains in the theatres.
Air Vice Marshal Ekwueme gave the assurance on Friday, 30 January 2026, when he Air Vice Marshal paid an operational visit to the Theatre Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE), Operation Hadin Kai, in Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri.
A statement on Sunday by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI said Air Vice Marshal Ekwueme commended the resilience, discipline, selflessness, and courage of troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the ongoing fight against insurgency.
He assured the Theatre Commander of sustained and enhanced air support, including the deployment of additional air platforms to further mitigate operational challenges and consolidate operational gains within the theatre.
“I assure you of maximum support and the deployment of more air platforms to strengthen your operations. We remain hopeful that these efforts will hasten the restoration of peace and a return to full normalcy in the North East,” the AOC TAC said.
In his remarks, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, expressed delight at hosting the AOC TAC and noted that despite the increasing complexity of operations, prompt air support has remained decisive in achieving mission objectives.
Major General Abubakar highlighted the importance of effective ground-to-air communication, stressing that improved transition capabilities and sustained in-theatre training of personnel across sectors have significantly enhanced joint operational effectiveness.
The visit featured operational briefings at the Headquarters Theatre Command, exchange of souvenirs, signing of the visitors’ book, group photographs and a guided tour of the Air Component of OPHK.