Following a series of persistent bandit attacks, the Nigerian military has reportedly taken full control of security operations in Alkaleri Local Government Area.
The army vowed that criminal elements would find no safe haven within the area as intensified operations begin.
The state governor, Bala Mohammed, had earlier called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene after armed bandits invaded several communities in Alkaleri LGA.
On Tuesday, the governor welcomed the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Eyitayo Foluso Oyinlola, to the Government House in Bauchi. The GOC explained that his visit followed directives from the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to take direct charge of military operations in Alkaleri LGA in response to the recent security breaches.
He told the governor that the deployment of additional troops to Bauchi State is part of efforts to restore lasting peace in the troubled communities.
The GOC assured residents that the military would implement proactive and well-coordinated measures to eliminate criminal elements and prevent further attacks. He revealed that both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies are already in motion to reestablish normalcy.
According to him, troops have stepped up clearance missions, increased surveillance in identified flashpoints, and strengthened cooperation with other security agencies to prevent additional incursions.
He further noted that intelligence-led operations are underway to dismantle criminal hideouts and disrupt the movement of armed groups across the region. Additional logistics support and manpower have also been deployed to maintain a sustained security presence in Alkaleri and neighboring communities.