The Nigerian Army has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against banditry, following a successful operation that led to the killing of several bandits and the rescue of kidnapped victims in Bauchi State.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Army said troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade, operating under Operation WUTAN DAJI, carried out a coordinated clearance operation in Kumbodoro Forest and Kumbodoro Village.
According to the statement, the operation dealt a serious blow to bandit groups that have been terrorising communities in the area.
The Army explained that the troops, with support from the Air Component, successfully cleared several bandit hideouts, including the well-known Azuge camps located within the forest.
“Supported by the Air Component, the troops neutralised several bandits and dismantled key operational bases, further reducing the ability of these criminals to threaten lives and property,” the statement said.
During the operation, eight kidnapped victims were rescued from the bandits’ camps. The Army did not disclose the identities of the victims but said they were safely recovered during the raid.
Banditry has remained a serious security challenge in parts of northern Nigeria, including Bauchi State. Armed groups often operate from remote forests, carrying out attacks on villages, kidnapping residents for ransom, and rustling livestock.
The Army also revealed that troops recovered a number of weapons and items during a search of the bandits’ camps.
Items recovered include four skeletal rifles, four dane guns, one FN rifle magazine, and one AK-47 magazine. Other items found at the scene include communication devices and several personal belongings.
Additional items listed by the Army include boots, helmets, a power bank, a StarTimes decoder, mobile phones, arrows, radio chargers, ATM cards, photographs, and even security agency uniforms.
Officials said the recovery of such items shows the level of organisation within the bandit groups and their ability to operate over a long period.
“The operation has further degraded the criminals’ capability to threaten lives and property,” the Army added.
In a related development, troops operating in Duguri, also in Bauchi State, recovered 36 cows believed to have been stolen by bandits.
The Army said the animals were found at Mushen Kura Village and were abandoned by the fleeing criminals due to sustained pressure from security forces.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with local vigilante groups, highlighting the role of community support in the fight against insecurity.
Authorities said efforts are ongoing to identify and return the recovered livestock to their rightful owners.
Cattle rustling is a major issue in northern Nigeria, often linked to banditry. Many communities depend on livestock for their livelihood, making such losses devastating for affected families.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace and stability in affected areas through intelligence-led operations.
It said it would continue to work with other security agencies and local communities to ensure that criminal elements are removed from their hideouts.
Military operations in the North-West and North-East have been intensified in recent years as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.
The police have called on residents, especially those living in rural areas, to remain alert and report any suspicious movements to security agencies.
They stressed that public cooperation is key to tackling insecurity and preventing further attacks.
Across northern Nigeria, collaboration between security forces and local vigilante groups has become increasingly important. However, such efforts also expose civilians to risks, as seen in the latest incident.
Bauchi State, while not as heavily affected as some neighbouring states, has experienced its share of bandit attacks in recent years.
The state’s proximity to troubled areas in the North-West has made it vulnerable to spillover attacks by armed groups.
Forests like Kumbodoro provide cover for bandits, making it difficult for security forces to track and eliminate them.
In response, the military has stepped up operations aimed at clearing these areas and preventing further attacks.
The recent success recorded by the Army is seen as a positive step in the fight against banditry in Bauchi State.
As security agencies continue their operations, residents are hoping for lasting peace and a return to normal life.