“Bombs Over Dajin Malam Forest: Nigerian Forces Rain Fire, Crush Bandit Strongholds”

By Passman Akpos

Troops of the Nigerian Army have dealt a major blow to bandit networks operating across parts of northern Nigeria, neutralising large numbers of fighters and destroying their camps in sweeping coordinated offensives, Governor Bala Mohammed has confirmed.

Speaking after a closed-door security meeting in Bauchi on Monday, the governor revealed that the military, working alongside the Nigeria Police and local vigilantes, carried out sustained operations targeting criminal enclaves deep within the notorious Dajin Malam Forest.

According to him, the offensive—backed by aerial bombardments—successfully dismantled key bandit camps, disrupted supply routes, and forced many of the armed groups to flee under intense pressure.

“The troops neutralised thousands of bandits, destroyed camps and motorcycles. They also disrupted their supply routes, forcing many of them to flee,” Mohammed said.

He added that at least four military aircraft conducted precision strikes on identified hideouts, clearing large sections of the forest corridor linking Bauchi State, Plateau State and Taraba State—areas long plagued by cross-border banditry and violent attacks.

Security forces also destroyed dozens of motorcycles commonly used by the bandits for rapid movement and surprise attacks, significantly weakening their operational capacity.

In a parallel move, the state government has opened a temporary surrender window, urging remaining fighters to lay down their arms. Mohammed stressed that the offer is not an amnesty programme but a controlled reintegration effort under strict government supervision.

“We are calling on those still hiding to surrender within this period. This is not amnesty, but a chance to return and reintegrate,” he said.

The governor disclosed that plans are underway to relocate surrendered bandits and their families, noting that many of them are not natives of Bauchi.

As part of broader reforms to prevent a resurgence of violence, the government will begin biometric registration of residents in vulnerable communities in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission. The initiative aims to improve population tracking and close security gaps exploited by criminal groups.

Authorities also plan to tighten surveillance across markets, motor parks, and other public spaces, while expanding community-based security by recruiting and equipping local vigilante groups.

“These measures are to ensure no space is left ungoverned or unmonitored, so criminal elements cannot regroup,” Mohammed stated.

The latest operation marks one of the most aggressive pushes yet against banditry in the region, raising cautious optimism among residents that sustained military pressure and stricter monitoring could finally restore stability across the troubled forest belt.