Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued three kidnapped victims and dislodged suspected bandits during ongoing military operations in Babanla Forest, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The successful rescue took place on Saturday under Operation Fansan Yamma, a special military campaign aimed at flushing out bandits and restoring peace in the region.
Acting on reliable intelligence, troops from the Patrol Base Babanla moved swiftly to a suspected hideout, where they rescued Mrs Oluwabusayo Taiwo, aged 25, and her three-year-old son, Taiwo Irayomide. The victims were abducted from Oke-Ode on September 28, 2025.
According to military sources, both mother and child are currently receiving first aid at the Patrol Base sick bay and will soon be reunited with their family.
In a separate operation, troops on routine patrol along a known bandits’ route also rescued a 40-year-old local tea seller, Mr. Mohammadu Sani, who was found in a pool of blood after being abandoned by his captors.
The bandits reportedly fled the scene upon sighting the soldiers. One locally made gun (dane gun) and a cutlass were recovered from the area. Mr. Sani is also receiving medical care at the military base.
Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, praised the troops for their quick action and professionalism. He said the military remains fully committed to protecting lives and maintaining law and order across Kwara State and beyond.
“These operations are part of our continuous efforts to secure the region and ensure that criminal elements have no hiding place,” General Barkins said.
He assured residents of Kwara that more security operations would be carried out to prevent further attacks and rescue any other victims in captivity.
Babanla Forest and other areas in Ifelodun LGA have in recent times witnessed increased bandit activity, including kidnapping and armed robbery. The latest success by the military is seen as a strong response to growing concerns over insecurity in rural parts of Kwara State.
