Governor Bala Mohammed has declared that forests across Bauchi State are now free of bandits following sustained security operations, especially in the Alkaleri axis which had witnessed repeated attacks in recent weeks.
This announcement follows intensive military operations aimed at dislodging criminal elements that had previously occupied “ungoverned spaces” within the state.
The governor spoke on Saturday at the Eid-el-Fitr Durbar held at Rilwanu Suleimanu Adamu Square in Bauchi, where he said joint efforts by the Nigerian military and other security agencies forced criminal groups out of their hideouts and pushed them beyond the state’s borders.
The statement comes after recent attacks on communities including Mansur and Gwana in Alkaleri Local Government Area that had raised fresh security concerns among residents.
“Today, I can confidently say that there are no bandits harbouring in any forest in Bauchi State. Our forests have been cleared through decisive military action and improved intelligence gathering,” the governor said.
Mohammed praised the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their role in stabilising the affected areas, noting that their operations had helped restore calm in Alkaleri and neighbouring communities.
He urged residents to remain alert and support security agencies with useful information, stressing that public cooperation is necessary to sustain the progress already made.
The governor also used the occasion to seek forgiveness from the people of the state as his administration moves toward the end of its second term next year.
“As my tenure gradually comes to an end, I find it necessary to seek your forgiveness for any wrongs, knowing fully that no human is perfect,” he said.
He assured citizens that his government would continue to execute ongoing projects in key sectors such as healthcare, education and road construction until the end of the administration.
The governor added that his administration would sustain close collaboration with traditional institutions, saying the partnership remains essential for peace, security and social harmony in the state.
