Am I the Only One Who Observes That Bandits Are Being Crushed Across Nigerian States?

By Olumide Akinrinlola

Am I the only one who has noticed that the Nigerian military, in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes, has recorded significant victories against bandits across various states? The military forces under Operation Fansan Yamma, heavily supported by local vigilantes, have executed extensive operations in the forests of Anka, Bukkuyum, and Gummi. Official reports confirm that over 300 to 500 armed bandits were eliminated during a massive two-day offensive, marking a substantial blow to regional kidnapping networks.

In places like Gummi town, local residents took to the streets to cheer and welcome the troops, demonstrating that the immediate impact of these operations is deeply felt on the ground. It’s heartening to see communities actively celebrating the efforts of our security forces.

Additionally, security forces, led by the Nigerian Army and specialised units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), successfully rescued 44 pupils and teachers who had been kidnapped from the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. This operation focused on deep-forest enclaves and completely neutralised the abductors without succumbing to ransom demands.

The neutralisation and arrest of high-level commanders have proven to be crucial in breaking these criminal networks. Recently, Kachalla Sani Yellow, a deeply feared and influential commander terrorising Anka, Bukkuyum, and Maru LGAs, was intercepted and killed in a gun duel by a combined force of Hunters and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Zamfara.

In Kogi State, the military has also made significant strides. Just last month, joint security forces, local vigilantes, and hunters tracked down and neutralised notorious bandit kingpin Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo during a fierce gun battle in the Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area. Battijo was the mastermind behind the attack on the Government Secondary School in Iluke and was actively planning a massive wave of student abductions. Troops later exhumed his hidden grave for autopsy and recovered the bodies of over 15 of his fighters. In the same coordinated operation, another top-tier bandit leader, Isa Mai Dabbaba, was successfully eliminated.

Furthermore, under Operations Egwua A Tite II and Accord III, the military carried out intensive air and ground strikes across the Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest areas. These operations completely dislodged entrenched networks, with official reports confirming that over 200 armed criminals were neutralised in central Nigeria during these sweeping campaigns.

In Kwara State, the military’s Operation Forest Flush (Operation Igbo Danu) was launched directly on orders from the Presidency. The Nigerian Army deployed a full brigade with heavy equipment to comb through the dense border forests of Kwara South and Kwara North. This aggressive campaign successfully dislodged major bandit networks hiding out around Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi.

Additionally, Operations Park Strike IV and V, led by the 22 Armoured Brigade, saw security forces aggressively push into Kainji Lake National Park and border towns like Kaiama and Baruten. These park reserves had been used by bandits as cover to launch ransom kidnappings; the military completely cleared these hideouts and established Permanent Forward Operating Bases in Patigi and Ilemona to secure the area.

The government has realised that as military pressure increased under Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-West (Zamfara and Katsina), bandits began migrating south into the thick, unpoliced forests of Kwara and Kogi. By deploying heavy armour and working directly with local hunters who know the terrain, they are successfully cutting off escape routes and dismantling bandit leadership before they can regroup.

As I reflect on these observations, it’s clear that the recent successes of the military and its partners offer a glimmer of hope for Nigeria’s security landscape. The concerted efforts to reclaim territory and restore peace demonstrate a renewed commitment to ensuring the safety and stability of our communities across the country.

Olumide Akinrinlola is the Publisher of Starnews NG