By Gabriel Ameh
Troops of the Nigerian Army have destroyed several terrorist camps in Dajin Madam Forest, covering Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas of Plateau State, and neutralised two armed bandits during a sustained military offensive.
The operation, conducted by troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade on November 8, 2026, also led to the recovery of ammunition, motorcycles, communication equipment, fuel and other logistics believed to be used by the criminal group.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the offensive began at about 11:00 a.m., with troops advancing into the forest to dismantle hideouts used by armed criminals operating in the area.
During the operation, soldiers cleared several camps across five identified locations and destroyed structures believed to have supported the activities and continued presence of the criminals.
At about 3:41 p.m., troops made contact with armed bandits at another location within the forest.
The soldiers engaged the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat. Bloodstains were reportedly discovered along their withdrawal routes, suggesting that some of the fleeing bandits may have sustained gunshot injuries.
The troops continued their advance and recovered a cache of ammunition and other operational supplies.
Items recovered included 135 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, PKT ammunition links, two motorcycles, two drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), two communication radios and four mobile phones.
The soldiers also recovered three woodland and desert camouflage uniforms, two Keystone camouflage uniforms and other items suspected to be linked to the criminal group’s activities.
The offensive continued at about 6:30 p.m. when troops encountered the fleeing bandits during a pursuit operation.
The encounter, which took place close to Kukawa village in Kanam Local Government Area, resulted in the neutralisation of two bandits. Two additional motorcycles were also recovered.
Following the engagements, the troops moved to a harbour position in Kukawa, where they maintained their operational presence.
The operation represents another effort by the Nigerian Army to dismantle armed criminal networks using forest corridors linking Kanam and Wase as hideouts.
The destruction of the camps and recovery of weapons-related supplies and logistics are expected to disrupt the activities of criminal elements operating within the area.
Source: DDI
