In Bauchi Troops neutralised thousands of bandits
By Sule Aliyu Bauchi
Troops of the Nigerian Army have intensified offensive operations against bandits in Bauchi State, killed thousands of them after major coordinated offensive operations. in the Dajin Madam forest.
The state Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad commended President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, the National Security Adviser and Security Agencies for the aggression against bandits and terrorists in Alkaleri Local Government Area of the State which has led to the killing of thousands of them within two weeks
According to the Governor, the timely intervention to the security situation in the state by troops of the Nigerian Army led to dismantling of bandits’ camps in Dajin Madam, in the affected communities of Alkaleri local government Bauchi state.
He said that security agents have recorded so much success in the fight against the terrorists in the local government area which has been bedevilled by terrorists activities in recent times, with the settlement of over 20,000 bandits decimated and disrupted
The Governor expressed delight that the successes were recorded following sustained offensive operations across forest corridors linking Bauchi with Plateau and Taraba states by the troops of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
Speaking at a press briefing after a closed-door meeting with security agencies and traditional rulers from affected communities, the governor said a major security crackdown exposed widespread bandit activity in the region, prompting coordinated ground and aerial action backed by intelligence.
“Soldiers overran bandits’ camps and destroyed their logistics in Dajin Madam forest,” Bala Mohammed said.
According to the Governor, the operation neutralized numerous bandits hiding in Dajin Madam forest and adjoining areas in Taraba State.
He said warplanes bombed bandit locations, clearing several camps and disrupting criminal activities, saying, many suspects were neutralized during the operation, while others fled under sustained military pressure.
“Several motorcycles used by the criminals were destroyed, limiting their mobility and operational capability,” he added.
The Governor disclosed that troops have since established a firm hold within the forest to consolidate gains and prevent re-infiltration by fleeing bandits.
As part of broader security reforms, the governor announced watertight surveillance measures, including biometric data collection, intelligence-led monitoring, and verification of activities in markets, motor parks, and public spaces.
He said the state will conduct a biometric profiling exercise of residents in vulnerable communities in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission and other federal agencies to ensure proper documentation and monitoring of population movements in high-risk areas.
“We are taking these measures to ensure that no space is left ungoverned or unmonitored, so that criminal elements cannot regroup or threaten our communities again,” Muhammad said.
He added that measures are been considered to prevent the creation of ungoverned spaces that could serve as safe havens for criminal elements.
He commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and intelligence units, noting that sustained operations have significantly disrupted the logistics and mobility of criminal groups.
Bala Muhammad therefore, called on residents to cooperate with security agencies and remain vigilant.
He reiterated that the state government is intensifying collaboration with traditional institutions, security agencies, and federal authorities to sustain ongoing operations and guarantee lasting peace and stability across Bauchi State.
He then clarified that recent restrictions on commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations, alongside temporary closures of some cattle markets are part of efforts to curb rising criminal activities across the state.
The State Governor Bala Muhammad made the clarification after a security
He stressed that public compliance is critical for consolidating gains already achieved against various forms of crime and ensuring a safer environment.
The Governor further revealed that a temporary surrender window has been open for fleeing bandits following a successful operations that dismantled their camps at Madan Forest and neighboring border communities.
Bala Muhammad reiterated that the state government is strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions, security agencies, and federal authorities to sustain ongoing operations and ensure lasting peace and stability across Bauchi State.
He also commended the efforts of security agencies for their sustained efforts and assured the state government continues support
