Governor Bala Mohammed Praises Tinubu, Armed Forces Over Major Anti-Bandit Operation in Bauchi, Neighbouring States
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and security agencies for what he called a successful large-scale operation that dismantled bandit camps across forest corridors linking Bauchi, Plateau, Taraba, and parts of Gombe states.¹
The governor made the remarks during a press briefing after a closed-door security meeting with heads of security agencies and traditional rulers from affected communities.²
Operation Followed State Appeals
Governor Mohammed said the security action came after repeated appeals by the Bauchi State Government over rising insecurity in Alkaleri Local Government Area and nearby border communities.
He explained that intelligence gathered before the operation revealed the true extent of criminal activity in the region, with thousands of armed elements reportedly using forests such as Dajin Madam and adjoining areas in Taraba State as hideouts.³
Coordinated Ground and Air Offensive
According to the governor, coordinated ground and aerial offensives, supported by intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, surveillance, and tracking, led to the destruction of several camps. The operation also disrupted supply routes and neutralised many bandits, while others fled under sustained military pressure.⁴
He added that hundreds of motorcycles believed to be used by the criminal groups were destroyed, significantly weakening their mobility and operational capacity.
“We have never witnessed this level of professionalism and federal support deployed to Bauchi, Plateau, and Taraba states,” he said.
Troops Hold Ground, Surveillance Continues
Governor Mohammed stated that troops have now set up a security presence in strategic locations to stop fleeing criminals from regrouping. He noted that aerial surveillance and rapid-response operations will continue to maintain pressure on remaining elements.⁵
Temporary Surrender Window Opened
The governor disclosed that the state has opened a temporary surrender window for bandits still hiding in and around Bauchi.
“This is not amnesty, but an opportunity to abandon violence and return under lawful supervision,” he clarified.
He said arrangements are being considered for the relocation and rehabilitation of those who surrender, including their families. He stressed that many of them are not indigenes of Bauchi State.
Biometric Profiling and Community Security
As part of wider reforms, Governor Mohammed announced plans for biometric profiling of residents in vulnerable communities. The exercise will be done in partnership with the National Identity Management Commission and other federal agencies.⁶
He said the profiling will help track population movement, improve intelligence gathering, and prevent the creation of ungoverned spaces that could serve as safe havens for criminal groups.
The governor also said local vigilante groups will be further strengthened to support formal security agencies.
Call for Vigilance
He urged residents to stay alert, report suspicious movements, and work closely with security agencies to secure lasting peace and stability across the state.⁷
Governor Mohammed reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sustaining the gains of the operation and ensuring that communities affected by banditry can return to normal life.