The Nigerian Army has intensified its crackdown on banditry in Bauchi State, destroying major hideouts and neutralising several suspects in a series of coordinated operations.
Among the camps overrun by troops were the notorious Azuge and Hari enclaves, in what military authorities described as a significant blow to criminal networks operating in the state.
A situation report from Army Headquarters in Abuja disclosed that the offensive was executed by troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade in collaboration with operatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser during a clearance mission in the Dajin Madam Forest.
The Army said several bandits were killed during the operation, while others escaped under sustained gunfire and pressure from advancing troops.
It added that 19 relatives of the fleeing suspects, including six women and 13 children, were taken into custody.
The military further disclosed that motorcycles believed to be used by the criminals for swift movement were destroyed, while a cache of items was recovered from the camps.
Recovered exhibits included an AK-47 magazine, quantities of tramadol, as well as police and military uniforms suspected to be used for impersonation. Two horses were also found at the location.
According to the Army, troops have since secured the forest and established dominance in the area to prevent the regrouping of the fleeing bandits.
In a related operation, soldiers carried out a follow-up mission in Mainamaji to consolidate gains from recent airstrikes on criminal hideouts.
The Army noted that no resistance was encountered during the operation, an indication that sustained military offensives have weakened the presence of bandits in the area.
Reaffirming its resolve, the military pledged to sustain pressure on criminal elements until peace is fully restored, while urging residents to continue providing credible intelligence to support ongoing operations.