Bauchi security operations neutralise thousands of bandits — Gov

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has reported a significant success in the state's fight against banditry, announcing that thousands of bandits were neutralized during a recent security offensive. This operation, which focused on the Alkaleri Local Government Area and surrounding regions, marks a substantial step towards restoring normalcy and security in previously troubled parts of the state.

The governor attributed the success to the intervention and support of President Bola Tinubu, following persistent requests from the state government to address escalating insecurity. Governor Mohammed expressed his gratitude to the President, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and various security chiefs for their crucial roles in achieving what he described as a "monumental improvement" in the state's security landscape. Coordinated efforts involving the Nigerian Armed Forces, Air Force, police, and intelligence agencies were instrumental in disrupting major bandit enclaves.

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We are happy to say that the situation has been brought to normalcy. The deployment of security personnel across services has restored calm in the affected areas.

During the operation, which lasted approximately two weeks, security operatives uncovered extensive bandit settlements, estimated to house between 10,000 and 20,000 fighters, in forest regions. These camps have since been dismantled, along with their supply routes and logistics chains. The governor stated that thousands of bandits were neutralized, hundreds of motorcycles destroyed, and fleeing criminals were forced to abandon their bases.

To ensure the sustainability of these gains, security agencies have implemented continuous aerial surveillance, rapid response strategies, and measures to prevent the regrouping of bandits. Governor Mohammed urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information, warning that aiding bandits would be met with decisive action. The governor also stressed the importance of improved community profiling and data collection, including biometric registration, to prevent the exploitation of ungoverned spaces by criminal elements.

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Thousands of bandits and terrorists have been neutralised, while hundreds of motorcycles were destroyed. Several camps and settlements were bombarded and dismantled, forcing those remaining to flee.