Troops of the under Operation Wutan Daji have recorded a major operational breakthrough following a coordinated clearance operation against bandit hideouts in Bauchi State.
The operation, conducted by 33 Artillery Brigade, targeted Kumbodoro Forest and Kumbodoro Village, where troops successfully dismantled multiple enclaves, including the notorious Azuge camps.
Military sources said the offensive, supported by air components, resulted in the neutralisation of several suspected bandits, while key operational bases were destroyed in the process.
The Army confirmed that 8 kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation and have since been taken into custody for medical attention and debriefing.
A search of the destroyed camps led to the recovery of a cache of arms and equipment, including rifles, magazines, communication gadgets, and other operational materials used by the criminal elements.
Recovered items also included personal effects such as mobile phones, identity cards, uniforms, boots, helmets, power banks, and other belongings suspected to have been looted or used by the bandits.
In a related development, troops deployed in Duguri, acting on credible intelligence, recovered 36 cattle at Mushen Kura Village in collaboration with local vigilante groups. The livestock are believed to have been abandoned by fleeing bandits following sustained military pressure in the area.
The Army said efforts are ongoing to trace the rightful owners and return the recovered animals.
Reaffirming its commitment, the stated that it remains resolute in restoring peace and security across affected communities through intelligence-driven operations and sustained joint-force collaboration.