Army smashes bandits’ strongholds in Bauchi, rescues kidnapped hostages, recovers arms

By: Kingsley Omonobi

Troops of 33 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army, under Operation Wutan Daji have successfully dismantled terrorists’ enclaves and strongholds, following a coordinated clearance operation in Kumbodoro Forest and Kumbodoro Village in Bauchi State.

The Army said on Tuesday night that the  offensive operation dealt a major setback to bandit networks operating within the area.

“Troops  successfully cleared multiple bandit enclaves, including the notorious Azuge camps within the Kumbodoro Forest axis.

“Supported by the Air Component, the troops neutralised several bandits and dismantled key operational bases, further degrading the criminals’ capability to threaten the lives and property of citizens.

“The operation led to the rescue of eight kidnapped victims.

“A thorough search of the bandits’ enclave led to the recovery of a cache of arms and equipment, including 4 skeletal rifles, 4 dane guns, one FN rifle magazine, one AK-47 magazine, as well as communication devices and other operational items.

“Other recovered items include 2 pairs of boots, 3 helmets, one power bank, one StarTimes decoder, QJC meta links, one jackknife, 6 mobile handsets, arrows, radio chargers, OPAY ATM cards, photographs, an identity card, several pairs of security agency uniforms, and leg chains.

“Relatedly, troops deployed at Duguri while acting on credible intelligence, recovered 36 cows at Mushen Kura Village in collaboration with local vigilantes.

“The livestock are believed to have been abandoned by fleeing bandits due to sustained military pressure. Efforts are ongoing to identify and return the animals to their rightful owners.

“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mission to restore peace and stability across all theatres of operation, leveraging intelligence-driven operations, joint force synergy, and strategic partnerships to deny bandits and terrorists any safe haven.

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