Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation WUTAN DAJI have recorded a major operational breakthrough following a coordinated clearance mission targeting bandit strongholds in Bauchi State.
The operation, conducted by the 33 Artillery Brigade, focused on Kumbodoro Forest and Kumbodoro Village, where troops dismantled multiple bandit enclaves, including the notorious Azuge camps. The offensive, supported by the Air Component, resulted in the neutralisation of several bandits and the destruction of key operational bases, significantly weakening criminal networks in the area.
During the operation, troops successfully rescued eight kidnapped victims held within the forest axis.
A subsequent sweep of the area led to the recovery of a cache of arms and equipment, including four skeletal rifles, four Dane guns, one FN rifle magazine, and one AK-47 magazine, alongside communication devices and other operational materials.
Additional items recovered include boots, helmets, mobile phones, radio chargers, ATM cards, photographs, an identity card, and suspected security agency uniforms, as well as other personal and tactical items believed to have been used by the bandits.
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. Efforts are ongoing to identify the rightful owners and facilitate their return.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace and stability, stating that it will continue to leverage intelligence-driven operations, joint force coordination, and strategic partnerships to deny criminal elements safe haven across its areas of responsibility.
