Thread by @DefenseNigeria

Nigerians are quick to berate the military over its inability to stamp out bandits from forests. The sheer size of these forests are mind boggling . So vast and spread out, bandits and terrorists have found them a haven to unleash mayhem on Nigerians.

Lets start with KAMUKU and KUYAMBANA forests. The mention of these two forest creates a sense fear, being the major fortresses for bandits in the northwest. These two forests as some of the most dangerous in Nigeria and are often compared to the Sambisa forest in the northeast.

Kamuku forest alone extends to Birnin Gwari, Chikun, Kajuru and Kiwa local government areas of Kaduna State and shares boundary with Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi and Niger states. Kamuku and Kuyambana forests adjoin the Kamuku Park located adjacent to the Kuyambana Games Reserve.

Rememebr Operation Thunder Strike?

A KingAir 350i, Augusta 109 power helicopter, Alpha jet and the M-35M all took part in bombarding parts of Kamuku forests in Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara and Niger states as part of Operation ‘Kashe Mugu 2.

KANO

In Kano there are two dangerous forests, Falgore Forest and Gomo Forest in Sumai. Both forests had been dens for series of criminal activities over the years

NASARAWA.

Uttu/Kenyehu forest, home to insurgent and bandits. Kenyehu forest and contiguous hills are the most dangerous forest in Nasarawa State.

In October last year, Nigerian troops busted a terrorist cell in Uttu forest which led to the surrendering of 410 bandits.

In September 20, 2020, the military conducted clearance operations in Uttu Forest and destroyed identified terrorists’ hideouts. During the operation, 778 family members of suspected terrorists and bandits consisting mostly of women and children were rescued by troops.

KEBBI

Zuru Emirate, which encompasses four LGAs in Kebbi State, borders Niger and Zamfara states. Armed bandits, who launch attacks on innocent civilians, infiltrate into Kebbi State through Dansadau forest from Zamfara and Rafin Kuka forest from Niger State.