Governor Bala Mohammed has called on bandits to surrender their weapons and reintegrate back into society, even as he confirmed that Nigerian Army troops have neutralised several bandits and destroyed their camps during operations in Bauchi State.
Mr Mohammed made this known while briefing journalists after a closed-door security meeting held on Monday in Bauchi. He said the military carried out the operations in coordination with the Police, other security agencies and local vigilantes.
“The operations routed bandits’ enclaves in Dajin Malam Forest linking Bauchi, Plateau and Taraba. The troops neutralised thousands of bandits, destroyed camps and motorcycles. They also disrupted their supply routes, forcing many of them to flee.
“The troops dismantled several bandit camps. Four warplanes bombed the bandits and successfully cleared several camps, disrupting criminal activities within the forests. Several bandits were neutralised while others fled under sustained military pressure.
“Several motorcycles used by the criminals were destroyed, limiting their mobility and operational capability,” he said.
Mr Mohammed explained that the state government has opened a temporary surrender window for the bandits, urging those still in hiding to drop their arms and take advantage of the opportunity.
“We are calling on those still hiding to surrender within this period. This is not amnesty, but a chance to return and reintegrate under the government supervision,” the Bauchi governor said.
He also said plans are underway to relocate those who surrender along with their families, noting that many of them are not originally from Bauchi State.
The governor further announced that the state will begin biometric data capture of residents in affected communities as part of wider security reforms aimed at ending banditry and restoring peace.
Mr Mohammed said the government will also introduce stronger surveillance systems, intelligence-driven monitoring, and verification of activities in markets, motor parks and other public places.
He added that community-based security will be strengthened through the recruitment and support of vigilantes to work alongside formal security agencies.
According to him, the biometric exercise will be carried out with the National Identity Management Commission and other agencies to properly document and track population movement in high-risk areas.
He said the goal is to ensure no space is left ungoverned or unmonitored, so criminal groups cannot regroup or threaten communities again.
