Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has announced that bandits who surrender will be reintegrated into society under government supervision, stressing that the initiative is not an amnesty but a controlled pathway to peace.
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door security meeting on Monday in Bauchi, Mr Mohammed confirmed that troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the police, vigilantes, and other security agencies, had neutralised hundreds of bandits and destroyed several camps in coordinated operations.
The governor disclosed that military strikes targeted bandit enclaves in the Dajin Malam Forest, which borders Bauchi, Plateau, and Taraba states. “The troops neutralised thousands of bandits, destroyed camps and motorcycles, and disrupted supply routes. Four warplanes bombed the bandits, clearing several camps and forcing many to flee,” he said.
He added that the destruction of motorcycles had significantly limited the bandits’ mobility and operational capability.
Mr Mohammed urged remaining criminals to take advantage of a temporary surrender window, saying: “This is not amnesty, but a chance to return and reintegrate under government supervision.” He noted that most of the bandits are not indigenes of Bauchi, and that arrangements are under way to relocate those who surrender along with their families.
As part of broader security reforms, the governor announced a biometric data capture of residents in affected communities, to be carried out with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). Strict surveillance mechanisms, intelligence-led monitoring of markets and motor parks, and the recruitment of more vigilantes are also planned.
“We are taking these measures to ensure that no space is left ungoverned or unmonitored, so that criminal elements cannot regroup or threaten our communities again,” Mr Mohammed said.
