The Nigerian Army has recorded fresh operational gains in its ongoing offensive against banditry, successfully dismantling key criminal enclaves in Bauchi State.
Troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade, working in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), carried out a coordinated clearance operation in the Dajin Madam Forest. The operation led to the destruction of several notorious bandit camps, including the Azuge and Hari hideouts, significantly disrupting criminal activities in the area.
During the raid, a number of bandits were neutralized, while others fled under sustained military pressure. Troops also took into custody 19 family members of the fleeing bandits, comprising six women and 13 children. Several motorcycles used by the criminals for mobility were destroyed, further weakening their operational capacity.
Security forces recovered a cache of items from the camps, including an AK-47 magazine, packs of tramadol, a police uniform, multiple military uniforms, and two horses—items believed to have been used for criminal operations and impersonation.
Troops have since established a firm hold in the forest to consolidate on the gains and prevent any regrouping by fleeing bandits.
In a related development, follow-up operations were conducted in Mainamaji after recent airstrikes on bandit hideouts. The mission recorded no contact with criminal elements, indicating that ongoing military pressure has significantly degraded bandit presence and movement in the area.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations until lasting peace and security are restored, while urging the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
