Residents of Mansur community in Alkeleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State have begun returning to their homes after months of displacement caused by terrorist attacks.
The villagers, who fled on February 26, 2026, when armed terrorists invaded the area, were seen on Wednesday, trooping back in large numbers to reclaim their ancestral lands. The attack had forced families to abandon their homes and farmlands, leaving the community deserted for nearly two months.
Their return follows a series of military operations led by the Nigerian Army, including Operation BUGUN KARKANDA III and the follow-up Operation WUTAN DAJI. The operations, executed by the 33 Artillery Brigade under directives from Army Headquarters, targeted terrorist hideouts across parts of Bauchi, Plateau, and Taraba states.
According to military sources, the operations led to the clearance of several key locations previously occupied by terrorists, including forests and settlements in the affected states.
Among the areas secured were Dajin Madam Forest in Plateau State, Kumbodoro Forest and surrounding communities in Taraba State, as well as Yankari Game Reserve and other locations within Bauchi State.
With the successful clearance of these areas, the military has moved into a consolidation phase, handing over secured communities to relevant security agencies and government bodies to ensure sustained peace and facilitate the safe return of displaced persons.
Scenes in Mansur on Wednesday reflected renewed hope, as residents celebrated their return with singing and dancing. Many were also seen assessing their homes and clearing overgrown vegetation from compounds abandoned during the displacement.
Community leaders have commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the intervention, describing the development as a significant step toward restoring normalcy. They expressed optimism that the renewed security presence would help prevent future attacks.
For many residents, the continued patrol by troops now serves as a source of reassurance as they begin to rebuild their lives.
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