Troops Kill Bandits, Rescue Eight Hostages in Bauchi Forest
Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed several bandits and rescued eight kidnapped victims during a clearance operation in Kumbodoro Forest, Bauchi State.
The operation, conducted by troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade under Operation Wutan Daji, targeted bandit enclaves in Kumbodoro Forest and Kumbodoro Village.
In a statement, the Army said the troops, supported by the Air Component, overran multiple hideouts, including the notorious Azuge camps, dealing a major blow to criminal networks operating in the area.
It said the troops neutralised several bandits during the offensive and dismantled key operational bases used by the criminals.
The statement added that eight kidnapped victims were successfully rescued during the operation.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of weapons and other items.
Recovered items include four locally fabricated rifles, four dane guns, one FN rifle magazine, one AK-47 magazine, communication devices, and other equipment.
Other items recovered are military-style uniforms, mobile phones, radio chargers, ATM cards, and personal effects believed to belong to the suspects.
In a related development, troops deployed at Duguri, acting on intelligence, recovered 36 cows at Mushen Kura Village in collaboration with local vigilantes.
The Army said the livestock were abandoned by fleeing bandits due to sustained military pressure, adding that efforts were ongoing to return the animals to their rightful owners.
The military reiterated its commitment to sustaining offensive operations to flush out bandits and restore peace in affected communities.
By TopHeadlines