PICTORIAL: Army Crushes Bandits, Overruns Enclaves, Captures 19 Family Members In Bauchi Forest

The Nigerian Army has recorded significant gains in its ongoing offensive against banditry in Bauchi State, following a series of coordinated clearance operations that led to the destruction of camps, capture of suspects’ family members, and recovery of logistics in a forest.

In a statement posted on its verified Facebook page on Wednesday, the Army said, “troops of 33 Artillery Brigade, in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) team, conducted a clearance operation within the Dajin Madam Forest,” noting that the mission targeted known criminal enclaves.

According to the statement, “the operation resulted in the successful clearing of several bandit camps, including the notorious Azuge and Hari camps, further disrupting the activities of criminal elements in the area.”

The Army disclosed that a number of bandits were neutralised during the operation, while others fled under sustained military pressure. It added that “bandits’ family members comprising six women and 13 children were taken into custody,” as troops tightened their grip on the forest.

It further revealed that several motorcycles used by the criminals for mobility were destroyed, significantly reducing their operational capabilities.

Items recovered during the raid included “one AK-47 magazine, packs of tramadol drugs, a pair of police uniform, several military uniforms and two horses,” which the Army said pointed to attempts by the group to impersonate security personnel while carrying out criminal activities.

The Army noted that troops have since established a firm presence in the area, stating that “troops are currently maintaining a firm hold position within the Dajin Madam Forest to consolidate on the gains achieved and prevent any re-infiltration by fleeing bandits.”

In a related development, the statement said troops carried out a follow-up clearance operation in Mainamaji after recent airstrikes on bandit hideouts. It reported that “the operation recorded no contact, further suggesting that sustained military pressure has significantly degraded the presence and movement of bandits within the area.”

The Army maintained that the continued success of the operations highlights the effectiveness of its ongoing offensives, adding that bandit networks in the region are being increasingly dislodged.

Reaffirming its commitment, the Army stated that it “remains resolute in its commitment to sustaining pressure on all criminal elements until lasting peace and security are restored,” while urging members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information.