By Harriet Tornguvan
Residents of Mansur community in Alkeleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State have begun returning to their homes after months of displacement, following successful military operations that restored security to the area.
The return, which took place was marked by widespread jubilation as families trooped back to the community they had fled in February after armed terrorists overran the village, forcing them into exile.
For nearly two months, Mansur remained deserted, with homes abandoned and farmlands left uncultivated as residents sought refuge in safer location
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by Lieutenant Oluwakemi Fagbolagun, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 33 Artillery Brigade. According to the statement, the restoration of peace in Mansur followed a series of coordinated military offensives, including Operation BUGUN KARKANDA III, a large scale clearance mission directed by Army Headquarters.
The operation, conducted by the 33 Artillery Brigade, was preceded by Operation WUTAN DAJI, a follow-up assault designed to dislodge terrorists from their hideouts and strongholds across the region.
The military 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 locations cleared of terrorist elements 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 secured.
With the completion of these operations, previously occupied communities such as Mansur were liberated, paving the way for the transition into a consolidation phase. This phase involves handing over cleared areas to relevant security agencies and government institutions to ensure sustained peace, law enforcement, and the safe return of displaced persons.
Scenes in Mansur on Wednesday reflected relief and renewed hope, as men, women, and children celebrated their homecoming with songs and dances. Many residents were seen inspecting their houses and clearing overgrown vegetation that had taken over their compounds during their absence.
Community leaders expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for what they described as a timely and decisive intervention that restored peace to the area. They noted that the return of residents signals the beginning of recovery and rebuilding in the community.
For many villagers, the presence of troops now represents safety and reassurance, a stark contrast to the fear that once defined daily life before the military operations.
