At least 20 suspected bandits were killed on Friday when troops of the Nigerian Army raided a notorious hideout linked to bandit leader Dankami in Zamfara State.
The operation was carried out by troops of the 8 Division under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, following intelligence indicating that a large number of armed fighters had gathered in the camp to coordinate attacks on nearby communities and security movements.
Security sources said the troops, working alongside the Nigerian Air Force, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes, kept the location under close watch for several days before launching the assault.
A military source disclosed that contact was made with the bandits on January 31, 2026, after the troops moved in on the camp.
The source explained that the suspects put up resistance and attempted to outmanoeuvre the soldiers during a gun battle but were overpowered.
According to the source, the superior firepower of the troops forced many of the bandits to flee, while 20 were killed during the encounter. Several others were said to have escaped with gunshot injuries.
The operation also led to the destruction of the camp, believed to have served as a key operational base for the bandit group.
The source added that follow-up operations were ongoing to determine the extent of casualties and recover weapons and other items abandoned by the fleeing bandits.