Troops of the Nigerian Army have incapacitated numerous bandits and demolished their camps in coordinated efforts in Bauchi State.
Governor Bala Mohammed verified this while addressing reporters after a private security meeting on Monday in Bauchi.
Mohammed stated that the military executed triumphant operations in collaboration with the Police, various security organizations, and vigilantes.
“The operations eliminated bandits’ strongholds in Dajin Malam Forest, connecting Bauchi, Plateau, and Taraba.
“The troops incapacitated thousands of bandits, annihilated camps and motorcycles. They also disrupted their supply chains, compelling many of them to flee.
“The troops dismantled numerous bandits’ camps.
“Four fighter planes bombarded the bandits and effectively cleared several camps, interrupting criminal activities within the forests. Numerous bandits were eliminated while others escaped under relentless military pressure.
“Numerous motorcycles utilized by the criminals were obliterated, limiting their mobility and operational effectiveness,” he stated.
According to the governor, the state government had offered a temporary surrender opportunity to the bandits and urged them to relinquish their weapons to solidify recent security accomplishments.
He emphasized the necessity for a balanced approach that merges enforcement with an opportunity for rehabilitation.
He mentioned that arrangements were underway to relocate surrendered bandits and their families, adding that most of them were not natives of the state.
The governor revealed plans to conduct biometric data capture of inhabitants in the affected communities as part of comprehensive security reforms aimed at eradicating banditry and ensuring peace and stability.
Mohammed stated that the government would implement strict monitoring mechanisms, intelligence-driven surveillance, and verification of activities in markets, motor parks, and public areas.
He noted that the state government would also enhance community-based security systems through recruitment and support for vigilantes to empower them in assisting security agencies.
