Troops overrun bandits’ camps, capture family members in Bauchi Forest

Nigerian troops have captured six members of family of bandits comprising six women and 13 children in their ongoing clearance operations across identified criminal enclaves in Bauchi State.

The troops also neutralized a number of bandits, while several others fled under sustained military pressure, according to a statement issued on Tuesday.

The statement also indicated that many motorcycles used by the criminals for mobility were also destroyed, further limiting their operational capability.

The operations conducted by troops of 33 Artillery Brigade, in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) team within the Dajin Madam Forest resulted in the successful clearing of several bandit camps, including the notorious Azuge and Hari camps.

The statement partly reads: “In continuation of ongoing operations, troops of 33 Artillery Brigade, in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) team, conducted a clearance operation within the Dajin Madam Forest. The operation resulted in the successful clearing of several bandit camps, including the notorious Azuge and Hari camps, further disrupting the activities of criminal elements in the area.

“During the operation, troops neutralized a number of bandits, while several others fled under sustained military pressure. In addition, bandits’ family members comprising 6 women and 13 children were taken into custody. Several motorcycles used by the criminals for mobility were also destroyed, further limiting their operational capability.

“A cache of items was recovered during the operation, including one AK-47 magazine, packs of tramadol drugs, a pair of police uniform, several military uniforms and 2 horses, all indicative of the group’s criminal activities and attempts at impersonation to commit criminalities.

“Troops are currently maintaining a firm hold position within the Dajin Madam Forest to consolidate on the gains achieved and prevent any re-infiltration by fleeing bandits.

“In a related development, troops conducted a follow-up clearance operation to Mainamaji as part of the exploitation of the general area following recent air strikes on bandit hideouts. The operation recorded no contact, further suggesting that sustained military pressure has significantly degraded the presence and movement of bandits within the area. The continued success of these operations underscores the effectiveness of ongoing military offensives and the increasing dislocation of bandit networks.

“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its commitment to sustaining pressure on all criminal elements until lasting peace and security are restored. Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.”