“Blood Forest Cleared: Army Storms Bandit Kingdom, Frees Hostages, Seizes Weapons of Terror”
By Passman Akpos
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation WUTAN DAJI have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against banditry in Bauchi State, dismantling notorious criminal camps, rescuing kidnapped victims, and recovering a cache of arms and equipment.
The operation, carried out by personnel of the 33 Artillery Brigade, targeted bandit enclaves in Kumbodoro Forest and Kumbodoro Village, areas long identified as safe havens for criminal gangs. The coordinated offensive, backed by the Air Component, dealt a heavy blow to the networks operating within the region.
Military sources confirmed that several bandits were neutralised during the raid, while key camps—including the infamous Azuge hideouts—were completely destroyed. The success of the mission has significantly weakened the operational capacity of the criminals who have terrorised surrounding communities.
In a major relief to affected families, troops successfully rescued eight kidnapped victims during the operation. The victims are said to be receiving necessary care following their ordeal.
A comprehensive sweep of the cleared camps led to the recovery of various weapons and items believed to have been used by the bandits. Among the recovered arsenal were four skeletal rifles, four dane guns, one FN rifle magazine, and one AK-47 magazine. Troops also seized communication devices and other materials linked to the group’s operations.
Additional items found at the scene included boots, helmets, mobile phones, a power bank, a StarTimes decoder, ATM cards, photographs, an identity card, and several security agency uniforms—raising concerns about impersonation tactics used by the criminals.
In a related development, troops deployed at Duguri, acting on credible intelligence and in collaboration with local vigilantes, recovered 36 cows at Mushen Kura Village. The livestock are believed to have been abandoned by fleeing bandits under sustained military pressure. Authorities say efforts are underway to trace and return the animals to their rightful owners.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to restoring peace and stability across the country, emphasizing that intelligence-led operations and collaboration with local communities remain central to ongoing efforts to eliminate banditry and other forms of insecurity.
Residents in the affected areas have expressed cautious optimism, hoping the latest success will mark a turning point in the restoration of normalcy to their communities.
