Troops of the Nigerian Army have ramped up offensive operations against bandits in Bauchi State, dismantling key camps and crippling criminal networks in the Dajin Madam forest.
According to an operational report, soldiers of the 33 Artillery Brigade, working alongside a team from the Office of the National Security Adviser, carried out a major clearance mission targeting notorious hideouts in the area.
The report said the troops overran several camps, including those linked to Azuge and Hari, forcing bandits to flee under sustained military pressure.
“Several bandits were neutralised, while others escaped as troops intensified operations within the forest,” the report stated.
It added that 19 family members of the bandits six women and 13 children were taken into custody during the raid.
Security forces also recovered weapons and other items, including an AK-47 magazine, tramadol, fake security uniforms and two horses, while motorcycles used by the criminals were destroyed.
“Several motorcycles were destroyed, significantly limiting the mobility and operational capability of the bandits,” the report noted.
The army said it has established a strong presence in the forest to prevent the return of fleeing fighters.
In a related development, troops conducted a follow-up operation in Mainamaji after recent air strikes on suspected hideouts, but no contact was made with bandits.
“This indicates that sustained military pressure has weakened the presence of criminals in the area,” the report added.
The army reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining pressure on bandits and urged the public to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing operations.