Abuja: Troops of the Nigerian Army have intensified offensive operations against bandits in Bauchi State, overrunning camps, capturing family members, and destroying logistics in Dajin Madam forest. This is contained in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, troops of 33 Artillery Brigade, in conjunction with a team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), conducted the clearance operation. The report highlighted that the troops successfully cleared several bandits’ camps, including the notorious Azuge and Hari camps, disrupting criminal activities within the forest.
The report added that several bandits were neutralised during the operation, while others fled under sustained military pressure. Troops took into custody 19 family members of the bandits, comprising six women and 13 children. Additionally, AK-47 magazines, tramadol drugs, items linked to impersonation, a pair of police uniforms, several military uniforms, and two horses were recovered by the troops.
Several motorcycles used by the criminals were destroyed, limiting their mobility and operational capability, the report said. It noted that troops had established a firm hold within the forest to consolidate gains and prevent re-infiltration by fleeing bandits.
In a related development, the report stated that troops conducted a follow-up clearance operation at Mainamaji after recent airstrikes on bandits’ hideouts. It said that no contact was made during the operation, indicating that sustained military pressure had degraded the bandits’ presence in the area.
The ongoing operations continued to disrupt bandits’ networks and limit their freedom of movement. The report reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to sustaining pressure on criminal elements until lasting peace and security were restored. It urged members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information.