Nigerian Army Intensifies Anti-Bandit Operations in Bauchi State
In a sustained military campaign against banditry in northern Nigeria, troops of the Nigerian Army have intensified clearance operations in Bauchi State, overrunning criminal hideouts and disrupting insurgent logistics in the Dajin Madam forest. According to an operational update from the 33 Artillery Brigade, the offensive—conducted in coordination with the Office of the National Security Adviser—resulted in the destruction of multiple bandit camps, including the notorious Azuge and Hari camps.
The operation led to the neutralisation of several bandits, with others fleeing under sustained military pressure. Troops also detained 19 family members of the militants—six women and 13 children—alongside the seizure of weapons, including AK-47 magazines, and illicit drugs such as tramadol. Authorities also recovered items linked to impersonation, including police and military uniforms, as well as two horses and several motorcycles used by the criminals. The destruction of the motorcycles was intended to limit the mobility and operational reach of the fleeing insurgents.
In a related development, follow-up clearance operations were conducted at Mainamaji following recent air strikes on bandit hideouts. Troops reported no direct contact during this phase, suggesting that prior aerial bombardments had already degraded the presence of criminal elements in the area.
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining pressure on armed groups until lasting peace and security are restored. Military officials emphasized the importance of continued public cooperation, urging citizens to provide timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
These operations form part of a broader strategy by Nigerian security forces to dismantle bandit networks across the North-West and North-Central regions, where criminal gangs have long exploited ungoverned forest areas to launch attacks, abduct civilians, and traffic arms. While military gains have been reported, security analysts note that long-term stability will require not only kinetic action but also strengthened governance and community engagement in affected areas.
