By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Nigerian Army have intensified offensive operations against bandit groups in Bauchi State, recording significant successes after overrunning several criminal camps and destroying logistics used by the armed groups.
The operation, carried out by troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade in collaboration with a team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), targeted bandit enclaves within the Dajin Madam Forest.
Military authorities disclosed that the clearance operation led to the successful destruction of several notorious bandit camps, including the Azuge and Hari camps, further disrupting the activities of criminal elements operating in the area.
During the offensive, troops neutralised several bandits, while others fled under sustained military pressure. The operation also resulted in the capture of bandits’ family members comprising six women and thirteen children.
In addition, soldiers destroyed several motorcycles used by the criminals for mobility within the forest terrain, significantly limiting their operational capability and movement.
Troops also recovered a number of items believed to be linked to the activities of the criminal groups. The items included one AK-47 magazine, packs of tramadol drugs, a pair of police uniform, several military uniforms and two horses. Security sources noted that the recovery of the uniforms suggested attempts by the bandits to impersonate security personnel to perpetrate criminal activities.
Following the operation, troops have maintained a firm hold position within the Dajin Madam Forest to consolidate on the gains achieved and prevent fleeing bandits from regrouping or re-infiltrating the area.
In a related development, troops carried out a follow-up clearance operation in Mainamaji as part of the exploitation of the general area after recent air strikes on bandit hideouts.
The follow-up operation recorded no contact with bandits, an indication that sustained military pressure has significantly degraded the presence and movement of criminal elements within the affected areas.
Military authorities noted that the continued successes of the operations highlight the effectiveness of ongoing offensives and the increasing disruption of bandit networks operating in the region.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the momentum of operations against criminal groups until lasting peace and security are restored, while urging members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.
