‘Sustain Military Onslaught On Terrorists’ Hideouts’, Kaduna Communities Tell CDS

Residents of Kauru local government area of Kaduna State have applauded the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, for the military’s sustained operations that have dismantled several terrorists’ hideouts and restored long-awaited peace to the once-volatile area.

Dokan Karji and Kwassam communities which were for years plagued by incessant attacks and killings, said the renewed offensive has drastically reduced bandit activities and enabled displaced villagers to return home.

Kauru, which shares boundaries with nine local government areas, including some in neighbouring Plateau State, was for years, one of the epicentres of rural violence in Kaduna.

Its vast, rugged terrain and strategic location made it difficult for security operatives to effectively police the area.

In a joint statement signed by Hon. Aminu Khalid and Alhaji Tukur Hussaini, chairmen of Dokan Karji and Kwassam security committees, respectively, the residents credited the military’s latest onslaught for the turnaround.

“The intervention of the military in combing terrorists’ hideouts in Dokan Karji and other parts of Kauru has brought remarkable peace to our area,” they said.

“Many villagers who deserted their homes because of banditry, particularly in Dokan Karji and Kwassam, have now returned to their communities.”

Although they noted that peace has largely returned, the leaders recalled an isolated attack on Ungwan Rimi community on August 24, 2025, in which seven people were killed and several others injured.

“Despite that sad incident, the once-devastated villages are gradually rebuilding, with farming activities resuming and local markets coming back to life,” Khalid said.

They appealed for additional troops to sustain the gains, particularly as the dry season approaches when criminals traditionally attempt to regroup.

They noted that the rainy season has limited the movement of terrorists across rivers, but warned that vigilance must be maintained.