Troops smash bandit camps, kill scores in Bauchi

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised numerous bandits and destroyed their camps in coordinated operations in Bauchi State, Governor Bala Mohammed has confirmed.

Mohammed, while briefing journalists after a closed-door security meeting on Monday in Bauchi, said the military carried out successful operations in collaboration with the police, other security agencies and vigilantes.

“The operations routed bandits’ enclaves in Dajin Malam Forest linking Bauchi, Plateau and Taraba.

“The troops neutralised many bandits, destroyed camps and motorcycles. They also disrupted their supply routes, forcing many of them to flee.

“The troops dismantled several bandits’ camps.

“Four warplanes bombed the bandits and successfully cleared several camps, disrupting criminal activities within the forests. Several bandits were neutralised, while others fled under sustained military pressure.

“Several motorcycles used by the criminals were destroyed, limiting their mobility and operational capability,” he said.

Mohammed said the state government had provided a temporary surrender window for the bandits and urged them to lay down their arms to consolidate recent security gains.

He emphasised the need for a balanced approach that combines enforcement with opportunities for rehabilitation.

“We are calling on those still hiding to surrender within this period. This is not amnesty, but a chance to return and reintegrate under government supervision,” Mohammed said.

He added that arrangements were being made to relocate surrendered bandits and their families, noting that most of them were not indigenes of the state.

The governor also announced plans to conduct biometric data capture of residents in affected communities as part of broader security reforms aimed at ending banditry and ensuring peace and stability.

Mohammed said the government would adopt strict surveillance mechanisms, intelligence-led monitoring, and verification of activities in markets, motor parks and other public spaces.

He added that the state would strengthen community-based security systems through the recruitment and support of vigilantes to complement formal security agencies.

The biometric profiling exercise, he said, would be conducted in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission and other relevant bodies to ensure proper documentation and monitoring of population movements in high-risk areas.

According to him, the measures are aimed at preventing ungoverned spaces that could serve as safe havens for criminal elements.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to prevent the re-emergence of criminal hideouts.

“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,” he said.

Mohammed commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his prompt response and decisive actions against banditry.

He also praised the troops for establishing a firm presence in the forest to consolidate gains and prevent re-infiltration by fleeing bandits.

The governor reiterated his commitment to protecting lives and property through effective collaboration with security agencies and traditional institutions.

(NAN)