Bauchi Intensifies war on banditry, 20,000 bandits killed so far – Mohammed

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has hailed the success of coordinated military operations in the State, which have led to the killing of over 20,000 armed bandits.

The announcement came during an expanded Security Council meeting at the Governor’s Office on Monday, where the governor shared the details of a major crackdown that had drastically reduced the presence of bandits in the State.

Governor Bala Mohammed stated that the joint efforts of the Nigerian Army and other Security Agencies had led to the dismantling of multiple bandit camps, particularly in forest corridors connecting Bauchi with Plateau and Taraba States.

He highlighted a critical operation in the Dajin Madam forest, where soldiers overran bandit camps, destroyed their logistics, and dealt a significant blow to their operations.

“This operation was a game-changer,” the Governor said. “Not only did we neutralize more than 20,000 bandits, but we also successfully disrupted their criminal activities in the region. The collaborative action, which included aerial bombardments from four warplanes, wiped out several bandit strongholds and diminished their mobility by destroying the motorcycles they used for operations.”

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for their swift response to the security threats in Bauchi, which helped push the operation forward.

The governor emphasised that the sustained pressure from military forces had left the bandits scattered and on the run.

In addition to military efforts, Governor Mohammed revealed that the State Government is opening a “surrender window” for remaining bandits, encouraging them to lay down their arms and embrace reintegration into society. He stressed that this offer was not an amnesty but an opportunity for the bandits to return under Government supervision and begin the rehabilitation process.

“We are offering those still in hiding a chance to surrender,” the governor affirmed. “We want them to understand that the window for peaceful reintegration is open. This will not be a blanket amnesty, but it’s an opportunity to move forward and leave the life of crime behind.”

The governor also revealed that intelligence-led actions have uncovered large settlements of armed groups, prompting an increased response from security agencies. He confirmed that the operation had exposed a deeper network of banditry within the state, leading to stricter surveillance measures, including biometric data collection and enhanced intelligence monitoring. These new security initiatives aim to prevent criminal activities in markets, motor parks, and public spaces.

A major part of the governor’s security plan involves recruiting and empowering local vigilante groups, strengthening community-based security systems to support formal agencies. “We will also be profiling residents in vulnerable areas as part of efforts to prevent criminal hideouts from re-emerging,” Governor Mohammed explained. This profiling will be conducted in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and other federal agencies.

The governor’s announcement marks a significant shift in the security landscape of Bauchi, where residents have long been plagued by the menace of banditry and insecurity. Governor Mohammed assured the public that these actions were not only aimed at dismantling criminal networks but also at restoring lasting peace and stability in the region.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, as the state works toward a more secure future.