Joy and relief filled Mansur community in Alkeleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, as displaced residents trooped back to their homes after spending months away due to terrorist attacks.
The village had been abandoned since February 26, 2026, when armed insurgents invaded the area, forcing families to flee. During the period of displacement, homes were left unattended and farmlands remained uncultivated.
The return of normalcy followed a series of coordinated military offensives led by troops under Operation BUGUN KARKANDA III, an extensive clearance mission directed by Army Headquarters and executed by the 33 Artillery Brigade.
This operation built on the gains of Operation WUTAN DAJI, a follow-up campaign aimed at dislodging terrorists from their hideouts.
The operations led to the successful clearance of several notorious enclaves, including the Dajin Madam Forest in Plateau State and Kumbodoro Forest in Taraba State.
Other areas 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 successful neutralisation and displacement of terrorist elements, previously occupied communities like Mansur were liberated. The military has since transitioned into a consolidation phase, which involves handing over cleared areas to relevant security agencies and government institutions to ensure stability and facilitate the safe return of displaced persons.
Wednesday’s homecoming was marked by celebration, as residents—men, women, and children—sang and danced while making their way back. Many began assessing their homes and clearing overgrown vegetation that had taken over during their absence.
Community leaders expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his decisive actions in restoring peace. They described the return of residents as a significant milestone and a fresh start for the community. For many locals, the presence of troops now represents safety and renewed confidence in daily life.
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