RismadarVoice Reporters, April 15, 2026
The Nigerian Army has recorded fresh gains in its sustained offensive against banditry, successfully overrunning several criminal camps and disrupting their operations in parts of Bauchi State.
Troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade, in collaboration with a team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), carried out a coordinated clearance operation in the Dajin Madam Forest. The mission led to the destruction of key bandit enclaves, including the notorious Azuge and Hari camps.
During the operation, a number of bandits were neutralized, while others fled under intense military pressure. Security forces also took into custody several individuals identified as family members of the fleeing bandits, including women and children. Motorcycles used by the criminals for movement within the forest were destroyed to limit their mobility.
Troops recovered a range of items from the camps, including an AK-47 magazine, packs of tramadol, a police uniform, military uniforms, and two horses—items believed to have been used in their operations and for impersonation.
The military has since established a firm presence in the forest to consolidate on the gains and prevent any return by the fleeing elements.
In a related development, troops conducted a follow-up clearance operation in Mainamaji, exploiting gains from recent airstrikes on bandit hideouts. The operation recorded no contact with criminal elements, an indication that sustained pressure has significantly weakened their presence in the area.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining momentum in the ongoing operations until peace and security are fully restored, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support security efforts.
