Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised many bandits and destroyed their camps in coordinated operations in Bauchi State.
Governor Bala Mohammed confirmed this while briefing newsmen at the end of a closed door security meeting on Monday in Bauchi.
Mohammed said the military conducted successful operations in synergy 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 thousands of bandits, destroyed camps and motorcycles. They also disrupted their supply routes, forcing many of them to flee.
“The troops dismantled several bandits camps.
“Four war planes 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.
According to the governor, the state government had provided a temporary surrender window to the bandits, and urged them to lay down their arms, to consolidate recent security gains.
He stressed the need for a balanced approach that combines enforcement with an opportunity for rehabilitation.
He said that arrangements were being made to relocate surrendered bandits and their families, adding that most of them were not indigenes of the state.
The governor announced plans to conduct a biometric data capture of residents in the affected communities as part of broader security reforms to end banditry, ensure peace and stability.
Mohammed said the government would adopt strict surveillance mechanisms, intelligence-led monitoring and verification of activities in markets, motor parks and public spaces.
He said the state government would also strengthen community-based security systems via recruitment and support to vigilantes to enable them to complement security agencies.
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