Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Wutan Daji have cleared several bandit strongholds in Kumbodoro Forest, rescuing eight kidnapped victims and recovering arms and equipment.
The operation, conducted by troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade, targeted bandit enclaves in Kumbodoro Forest and Kumbodoro Village, dealing what military sources described as a significant setback to criminal networks operating in the area.
During the clearance exercise, troops dismantled multiple camps, including the notorious Azuge camps located within the forest axis. Supported by the air component, the troops neutralised several bandits and destroyed key operational bases used to launch attacks on surrounding communities.
A thorough search of the camps led to the recovery of weapons and equipment, including four skeletal rifles, four Dane guns, one FN rifle magazine and one AK-47 magazine, alongside communication devices and other operational items.
Other items recovered included two pairs of boots, three helmets, a power bank, a StarTimes decoder, mobile handsets, arrows, radio chargers, ATM cards, photographs, an identity card, several pairs of security agency uniforms and leg chains.
In a related development, troops deployed at Duguri, acting on credible intelligence, recovered 36 cows at Mushen Kura Village in collaboration with local vigilantes.
The livestock were believed to have been abandoned by fleeing bandits following sustained military pressure. Efforts are ongoing to identify the rightful owners and return the animals.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace and stability across affected communities through intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with other security stakeholders.
