The Nigerian Army has announced that troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade under Operation WUTAN DAJI have recorded a major success following a coordinated clearance operation carried out in Kumbodoro Forest and Kumbodoro Village in Bauchi State.
In a statement published on Tuesday through its official Facebook handle, the Army disclosed the development dealt a major setback to bandit groups operating within the area.
According to the statement, soldiers cleared several bandit hideouts, including the well-known Azuge camps located 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 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,” the statement read.
Army Recovers Livestock as Police Report Fatal Bandit Attack in Bauchi
In another development, troops stationed at Duguri, acting on credible intelligence, recovered 36 cows at Mushen Kura Village in collaboration with local vigilantes.
The Army explained that the livestock had been abandoned by fleeing bandits due to sustained military pressure, adding that efforts were ongoing to return them to their rightful owners.
It further reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace and stability through intelligence-driven operations and strategic collaboration aimed at denying criminals safe havens.
Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the death of a vigilante member following an ambush by suspected bandits at Yankari Game Reserve on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
According to the police spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, a joint patrol team made up of officers from Mai-Ari Outpost and local vigilantes came under attack along the Bakin Layi axis of the reserve.
He stated that Hambali Alhaji Sa’adu, 27, sustained fatal gunshot injuries during the incident and was later confirmed dead by medical personnel.
His remains were buried according to Islamic rites.
Habib added that the security team regrouped after the attack, pursued the attackers, and engaged them in a gun battle, forcing them to flee with suspected injuries.
He also disclosed that four suspects were arrested and are currently in custody undergoing investigation.
Residents, particularly those in rural communities, were urged by the police to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies.
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