Troops of the Nigerian Army have intensified offensive operations against bandits in Bauchi State, successfully overrunning several camps and arresting 19 family members of suspected criminals in Dajin Madam forest.
This was contained in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to the report, the operation was carried out by troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade in collaboration with a team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
The report stated that the troops cleared multiple bandits’ camps, including the notorious Azuge and Hari camps, significantly disrupting criminal activities within the forest.
It added that several bandits were neutralised during the operation, while others fled due to sustained military pressure.
“Troops took into custody 19 family members of the bandits, comprising six women and 13 children,” the report noted.
Items recovered during the operation include an AK-47 magazine, tramadol drugs, materials linked to impersonation, a pair of police uniforms, several military uniforms, and two horses.
The report further disclosed that several motorcycles used by the bandits were destroyed, thereby limiting their mobility and operational capacity.
It said troops have now established a strong presence in the forest to consolidate the gains and prevent the return of fleeing bandits.
In a related development, the report revealed that troops conducted a follow-up clearance operation in Mainamaji after recent air strikes on bandits’ hideouts.
“No contact was made during the operation, indicating that sustained military pressure has degraded the bandits’ presence in the area,” it added.
The report emphasised that ongoing military operations have continued to weaken bandits’ networks and restrict their movement.
It reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining the offensive until peace and security are fully restored, while urging members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
