Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has announced that Nigerian security agencies have successfully neutralised more than 20,000 bandits in coordinated ground and aerial operations targeting their forest hideouts.
The governor made the disclosure on Monday while briefing journalists after a closed-door meeting with security chiefs and stakeholders.
He said the operations, which focused on the Dajin Madam forest in Bauchi and parts of the Taraba State forest, involved soldiers overrunning bandit camps, destroying their logistics, and disrupting their activities.
According to Governor Mohammed, warplanes were deployed to bomb several bandit camps, while troops destroyed numerous motorcycles used by the criminals, severely limiting their mobility.
He praised the troops for establishing firm control of the areas to prevent fleeing bandits from regrouping.
The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for heeding the concerns of Bauchi residents and authorising decisive action against the criminal elements.
As part of efforts to consolidate the gains, the state government has opened a temporary “surrender window” for bandits still operating in and around Bauchi.
Governor Mohammed urged them to lay down their arms and reintegrate peacefully, stressing that the offer is not an amnesty but a supervised opportunity for rehabilitation.
He noted that many of the bandits are not indigenes of Bauchi State and disclosed that arrangements are being made to relocate those who surrender, along with their families.
The governor announced broader security reforms, including:Biometric profiling of residents in vulnerable communities, to be carried out in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Stricter intelligence-led surveillance in markets, motor parks, and other public spaces.
Strengthened community-based security through the recruitment and support of local vigilante groups.
Governor Mohammed emphasised that these measures are designed to eliminate ungoverned spaces that criminals have exploited in the past.
“We are taking these steps to ensure no space is left unmonitored so criminal elements cannot regroup or threaten our communities again,” he said.
He called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with security agencies, assuring them that the state government, in partnership with traditional rulers, federal authorities, and security forces, will sustain operations to restore lasting peace and stability in Bauchi State.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NOP NIGERIA to reach thousands of our daily users
