Troops clear bandits’ camps in Bauchi, rescue kidnapped victims and recover arms

Troops under Operation WUTAN DAJI have cleared several bandits’ camps, rescued kidnapped victims and recovered arms during clearance operations in Bauchi State.

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The army disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Troops of 33 Artillery Brigade Garrison, in conjunction with elements of the Brigade Headquarters and a team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), carried out the operation in Kumbodoro forest and Kumbodoro village in Bauchi State. 

The operation was led by the Commander, 33 Artillery Brigade, Brig.-Gen. S.S. Shehu, as part of ongoing efforts to rid the area of criminal elements.

Several bandits’ camps, including Azuge camps, were cleared during the operation, while a number of the criminals were neutralised.

Items recovered include FN rifle magazine, one AK-47 magazine, communication links, a jackknife, arrows, radio chargers, and several pairs of security agency uniforms. 

“Troops of 33 Artillery Brigade under Operation WUTAN DAJI have recorded a significant operational success following a coordinated clearance operation in Kumbodoro Forest and Kumbodoro Village in Bauchi State,” the statement read. 

“The offensive 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 b andits and dismantled key operational bases, further degrading the criminals’ capability to threaten lives and property of citizens. The operation led to rescue of eight kidnapped victims.

“A thorough search of the bandits enclave led to the recovery of  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.”