Bauchi Expands Crackdown on Crime, Opens Surrender Window for Bandits

• Governor says over 20,000 armed criminals neutralised

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The Bauchi State Government has clarified that recent restrictions on commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations, alongside temporary closures of some cattle markets are part of efforts to curb rising criminal activities across the state.

Similarly,the government disclosed  that no fewer than 20,000 armed bandits have been neutralised in the State through coordinated operations.

The State Governor,  Bala Mohammed, made the clarification after a security council meeting involving heads of security agencies, traditional rulers and other relevant stakeholders, held at Government House, Bauchi.

Briefing journalists after the meeting late Monday evening, Mohammed urged residents to cooperate with the new security directives, stressing that public compliance is critical for consolidating gains already achieved against various forms of crime and ensuring a safer environment.

Speaking on the ongoing military actions against bandits in Alkaleri Local Government, the governor revealed that a temporary surrender window has been open for fleeing bandits following a successful operations that dismantled their camps at Madan Forest and neighbouring border communities.

According to the governor, coordinated ground and aerial security operations have forced many criminal elements to abandon their hideouts, reducing the capacity of armed groups and enhancing overall public safety in affected areas.

Mohammed reiterated that the state government is strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions, security agencies, and federal authorities to sustain ongoing operations and ensure lasting peace and stability across Bauchi State.

He disclosed that no fewer than 20,000 armed bandits have been neutralised in the State through coordinated operations.

The governor who also declared that the State had been saved from the hands of bandits who had held a section of the State captive, explained that troops of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies have been able to completely dismantle all bandit camps as a result of offensive operations against bandits in the State.

Mohammed, who chaired the security meeting that included traditional rulers from the affected communities in Alkaleri, Bauchi, Tafawa Balewa, and Kirfi LGAs, stated that the decision followed a major security crackdown that exposed widespread banditry across forest corridors linking Bauchi with Plateau and Taraba states.

He said: “Soldiers overran bandit camps, and destroyed their logistics in Dajin Madam forest, thereby putting them on the run.”

He also commended President Bola Tinubu and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), who listened to the complaints of the people of Bauchi and took decisive action that neutralised the bandits hiding in Dajin Madan and Taraba State Forests.

He further said: “They sent about four war planes that bombed the bandits and successfully cleared several bandits’ camps, disrupting criminal activities within the forests. Several bandits were neutralised during the operation, while others fled under sustained military pressure.”

He added: “Several motorcycles used by the criminals were destroyed, limiting their mobility and operational capability.” He commended the troops that established a firm hold within the forest to consolidate gains and prevent re-infiltration by fleeing bandits.

The governor further said the government has opened a surrender window for bandits operating within and around the state, and advised them to lay down their arms as part of efforts to consolidate recent security gains.

The governor disclosed that the operation uncovered large settlements of armed groups, prompting a decisive response by security agencies through coordinated ground and aerial actions backed by intelligence.

While confirming that many of the bandit networks have been dismantled, the governor emphasised the need for a balanced approach that combines enforcement with an opportunity for rehabilitation.

“We are calling on those still in hiding to surrender within this period. This is not amnesty, but a chance to return and reintegrate under government supervision,” the governor said.

He said that arrangements are being considered to relocate those who surrender, including their families, while noting that many of the suspects are not originally from Bauchi State.

As part of broader security reforms, Mohammed announced stricter surveillance measures, including biometric data collection, intelligence-led monitoring, and verification of activities in markets, motor parks, and public spaces.

He added that the State also plans to strengthen community-based security systems by recruiting and supporting local vigilante groups to complement formal security

He also commended the efforts of security agencies for their sustained efforts and assured of the state government’s continuous support.