Army ramps up anti-bandit offensive in Kwara, rescues more kidnap victims from forest

Troops from the 2 Division/Sector 3 of the Nigerian Army, operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intensified their assault on bandits in Kwara State, successfully rescuing three kidnap victims in separate missions within the Babanla Forest on Saturday, 11 October 2025.

It was gathered that soldiers stationed at the Babanla Patrol Base, acting on credible intelligence, quickly mobilised to a suspected bandit camp, where they rescued Mrs. Oluwabusayo Taiwo, 25, and her three-year-old son, Taiwo Irayomide. The pair were among the victims abducted in Oke-Ode on 28 September 2025.

Both mother and child are currently receiving first aid at the Patrol Base sick bay and will be reunited with their family members once they are cleared by medical personnel.

In another operation, troops on a routine patrol along a known bandit route rescued 40-year-old tea seller, Mr. Mohammadu Sani, popularly known as “Mai Shayi,” from Garkarima.

According to a report by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagozola Makama, the bandits abandoned the victim and fled upon sighting the patrol team. “Troops recovered one dane gun and a cutlass from the scene. The victim is currently receiving medical attention at the Patrol Base sick bay,” the report said.

Reacting to the successful missions, Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, lauded the troops for their prompt action and professionalism. He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to safeguarding citizens and pledged that operations to restore peace and stability across Kwara State and its environs would continue to be intensified.