The Nigerian Army has intensified its fight against banditry and kidnapping in Kwara State with a major military operation that has led to the killing of several terrorists and the rescue of kidnapped victims.
The operation, known as Operation Igbo Danu, also called Operation Forest Flush, was carried out by troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army. The offensive targeted bandit hideouts and criminal camps located in forest areas across parts of the state.
Details of the operation were made public in a statement issued on Friday by the Nigerian Army through its official X handle. The statement was signed by Captain Maureen Ogbuka on behalf of the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division Nigerian Army.
According to the army, the operation took place between January 23 and January 29, 2026, within the Joint Operations Area. The troops were supported by the Office of the National Security Adviser as part of broader efforts to restore peace and security in the region.
The operation was carried out under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Chinedu Nnebife. He worked closely with the Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume.
The army said soldiers carried out aggressive fighting patrols into several bandit enclaves during the operation. These patrols resulted in intense encounters with armed groups operating in the forests.
“In the engagements, troops conducted fighting patrols in several bandits’ enclaves and successfully neutralised terrorists, while others escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds,” the statement said.
The army added that many of the bandits were forced to flee due to the sustained pressure from the troops. As part of the operation, soldiers also destroyed terrorist hideouts and camps, making it difficult for the criminals to regroup.
One of the major successes recorded during the operation was the clearance of Garin Dandi, a settlement described by the army as a major bandit enclave. Garin Dandi is located in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State and had long been identified as a stronghold for criminal groups.
“Troops cleared Garin Dandi, a known enclave of bandits in Ifelodun Local Government Area, leading to the decimation of the bandits’ logistics bases and supply systems,” Captain Ogbuka stated.
The destruction of logistics bases is considered a major blow to bandit groups, as it cuts off their access to food, weapons, fuel, and other supplies needed to carry out attacks and kidnappings.
The army also revealed that soldiers pushed deeper into remote forest areas that were previously difficult for security forces to access. During these advances, several abandoned camps and support facilities used by the bandits were destroyed.
According to the statement, these actions further weakened the ability of the terrorists to plan and carry out attacks in Kwara State and neighbouring areas.
Despite the difficult terrain and thick forests, troops maintained constant pressure on the bandits. The army said soldiers moved across forest routes and mounted blocking positions to prevent the criminals from escaping.
“Troops intercepted fleeing elements at various blocking positions, leading to the arrest of suspected bandits, while numerous kidnap victims were rescued from different camps,” the statement added.
The rescued victims were said to have been held in harsh conditions by their captors. Although the army did not give the exact number of those rescued, it confirmed that all freed victims were given medical attention and would be reunited with their families.
Kwara State, which was once considered relatively peaceful, has in recent years faced increasing security challenges, especially in its border communities and forested areas. Bandits and kidnappers have taken advantage of vast forests to establish camps and carry out attacks on villages and highways.
Residents have repeatedly raised concerns over kidnappings, killings, and attacks on farms, which have disrupted daily life and economic activities in some parts of the state. The situation has also affected travel and farming, as many people fear venturing into isolated areas.
The Nigerian Army said the success recorded so far was due to careful planning, cooperation among security agencies, and support from national authorities. However, it also noted that the fight against banditry requires support from local communities.
According to the army, findings from the operation showed that some bandits received help from collaborators living within nearby communities. These individuals were said to provide information about troop movements, allowing criminals to escape before soldiers arrive.
“Observations from the operations indicate that bandits receive support from collaborators who provide intelligence on troop movements, enabling early withdrawal from targeted locations,” the statement said.
The army warned that such collaboration poses a serious threat to security efforts and prolongs the activities of criminal groups.
In response, the GOC urged residents of Kwara State to support the military by providing timely and credible information. He said community cooperation is key to identifying bandits, their camps, and those who assist them.
The army assured the public that Operation Igbo Danu is still ongoing and will be sustained until all terrorist networks operating in Kwara State are dismantled.
“The operation is ongoing to deal decisively with all terrorist networks operating within Kwara State,” the statement said.
The latest operation is part of wider efforts by the Nigerian military to tackle insecurity across the country. Similar operations have been carried out in the North West, North Central, and parts of the North East, where banditry and terrorism remain major challenges.
For many residents of Kwara State, the army’s action has brought renewed hope that peace can be restored. Community leaders and residents have called on security agencies to maintain the momentum and ensure that cleared areas are not taken over again by criminals.