Bauchi Bandits invasions: Military Deploys Kinetic, Non-kinetic security Operations
By Sule Aliyu Bauchi
The Nigerian military has taken over security operations in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State following renewed bandit attacks, declaring that there will be no safe haven for criminal elements in the area.
The development comes after Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, appealed to the Federal Government for urgent intervention over the invasion of communities in Alkaleri LGA by armed bandits.
Muhammad received the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Eyitayo Foluso Oyinlola, at the Government House in Bauchi.
Major General Oyinlola, who is based in Jos, Plateau State, said his visit was in compliance with directives from the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to assume direct supervision of military operations in Alkaleri LGA following recent security breaches.
He informed the Governor that the deployment of additional troops to Bauchi was aimed at restoring lasting peace in the affected communities.
The GOC assured that the military would adopt proactive and coordinated strategies to flush out criminal elements and prevent further attacks. He disclosed that both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches were already being deployed to restore normalcy.
According to him, troops have intensified clearance operations, strengthened surveillance across identified flashpoints, and enhanced collaboration with other security agencies to forestall further incursions.
He added that intelligence-driven operations are ongoing to dismantle criminal hideouts and disrupt the movement of armed groups within the region. Additional logistics and manpower, he said, have also been mobilised to ensure sustained security presence in Alkaleri and surrounding communities.
Major General Oyinlola emphasized the Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property but appealed for sustained cooperation from local authorities and residents, noting that peace and stability remain a collective responsibility.
In his remarks, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad commended the prompt response of the Presidency and the military high command, describing the swift intervention as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
He expressed confidence in the capacity of the Nigerian Army to decisively address the emerging security challenges in the area.
The governor noted that Bauchi State had previously enjoyed relative peace before the recent attacks on Mansur, Digare, Gwana and Yalo communities in Alkaleri LGA, which led to displacement and heightened anxiety among residents.
He reiterated the state government’s resolve to support security agencies in restoring normalcy and urged residents of the affected communities to cooperate fully with security operatives by providing credible information and adhering to established security protocols.
Muhammad also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as a prompt and practical intervention following his earlier engagement in Abuja.
He further commended the Chief of Army Staff, the GOC and the entire military leadership for their robust response, pledging that the Bauchi State Government would continue to partner with security agencies through community engagement and sociological interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity.
The state government, he assured, remains committed to working with local authorities and affected communities to restore lasting peace across the Alkaleri Local Government Area.
