Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation WUTAN DAJI have dismantled bandit strongholds in Bauchi State, rescued kidnapped victims, and recovered a cache of weapons during a coordinated clearance operation.

The operation, conducted by the 33 Artillery Brigade in Kumbodoro Forest and Kumbodoro Village, targeted multiple bandit enclaves, including the notorious Azuge camps. Supported by air assets, troops neutralised several bandits and destroyed key operational bases, significantly weakening criminal networks in the area.

Eight kidnapped victims were rescued during the offensive, while a search of the camps led to the recovery of arms and equipment, including skeletal rifles, dane guns, rifle magazines, and communication devices. Other items recovered included mobile phones, uniforms, boots, and various personal effects linked to the bandits.

In a related operation, troops deployed at Duguri, working with local vigilantes, recovered 36 cows at Mushen Kura Village. The livestock were believed to have been abandoned by fleeing bandits amid sustained military pressure, with efforts ongoing to return them to their rightful owners.

The Nigerian Army said the operation underscores its commitment to restoring peace and stability, adding that intelligence-led strategies and joint operations will continue to deny bandits safe havens across affected regions.