Troops Clear Bandit Enclaves as Displaced Residents Return Homes in Bauchi Community
Residents of Mansur community in Alkeleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State have begun returning to their homes following months of displacement, after military operations successfully cleared terrorist elements from the area and surrounding forests.
The return, which took place on April 22, was marked by widespread celebration as families who fled their homes on February 26 after a terrorist devestation reclaimed their ancestral lands. For nearly two months, the community remained deserted, with homes abandoned and farmlands left uncultivated.
The development follows a series of coordinated military offensives spearheaded by the Nigerian Army under Operation BUGUN KARKANDA III, a clearance mission directed by Army Headquarters and executed by the 33 Artillery Brigade. The operation was reinforced by a follow-up mission, Operation WUTAN DAJI, aimed at dislodging terrorists from entrenched positions across parts of Bauchi, Plateau, and Taraba states.
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Security sources indicated that the operations led to the successful clearance of several notorious enclaves, including Dajin Madam Forest in Plateau State and Kumbodoro Forest in Taraba State. Other locations secured include Yankari Game Reserve, Bogwas and Rimi in Bauchi State, as well as Odere Forest, Shirnagol, Wanka and Kukarlwa in Plateau State. In Taraba State, Kumbodoro town and Angwan Jauro Sule were also brought under control.
With the clearance phase completed, military efforts transitioned into a consolidation stage involving the handover of secured communities to relevant security agencies and government institutions to ensure stability and facilitate the safe return of displaced populations.
Scenes in Mansur reflected renewed optimism, as men, women, and children were seen singing and celebrating upon arrival. Residents began assessing the condition of their homes and clearing overgrown vegetation that had taken over compounds during their absence.
Community leaders attributed the restoration of peace to the intervention of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and commended the military for enabling the safe return of displaced persons. They noted that the presence of troops now provides a sense of security and confidence among residents.
The return of Mansur’s population is seen as a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to stabilise conflict-affected communities and restore normalcy across parts of the North-East and North-Central regions.
By PRNigeria
