Military Airstrikes, Ground Assaults Crush Bandits’ Enclaves in Bauchi

By Abah Margaret

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised scores of bandits and destroyed several criminal hideouts in coordinated military operations across Bauchi State, Governor Bala Mohammed has confirmed.

The governor disclosed this while briefing journalists after a closed-door security meeting on Monday in Bauchi, noting that the operations were carried out in collaboration with the Police, other security agencies, and local vigilante groups.

According to him, the joint operations targeted bandits’ strongholds in the Dajin Malam Forest, a volatile area linking Bauchi, Plateau, and Taraba states.

“The operations routed bandits’ enclaves in Dajin Malam Forest. Troops neutralised several bandits, destroyed camps and motorcycles, and disrupted their supply routes, forcing many of them to flee,” Mohammed said.

He revealed that the offensive involved both air and ground assaults, with four military aircraft deployed to bombard identified hideouts, leading to the destruction of multiple camps and a significant weakening of the bandits’ operational capacity.

“Several motorcycles used by the criminals were destroyed, limiting their mobility and effectiveness,” he added.

Governor Mohammed said the state government has opened a temporary surrender window for bandits willing to lay down their arms, stressing that the initiative is aimed at consolidating recent security gains.

“We are calling on those still in hiding to surrender within this period. This is not amnesty, but an opportunity for rehabilitation and reintegration under government supervision,” he said.

He disclosed that arrangements are underway to relocate surrendered bandits and their families, noting that many of them are not indigenes of Bauchi State.

As part of broader security reforms, the governor announced plans to introduce biometric data capture for residents in affected communities to enhance surveillance and curb criminal activities.

He explained that the initiative, to be carried out in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and other relevant agencies, would ensure proper documentation and monitoring of population movements in high-risk areas.

The government, he said, will also intensify intelligence-driven operations and enforce stricter monitoring in markets, motor parks, and other public spaces.

In addition, Mohammed stated that community-based security structures would be strengthened through the recruitment and support of vigilante groups to complement the efforts of security agencies.

“These measures are aimed at eliminating ungoverned spaces that could serve as safe havens for criminal elements,” he said.

The governor urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to sustain peace and prevent the re-emergence of banditry in the state.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for his prompt response and decisive actions, as well as security personnel for maintaining a strong presence in the affected forests to prevent the return of fleeing bandits.

Mohammed reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through sustained collaboration with security agencies and traditional institutions.