Troops of the Nigerian Army have carried out a successful operation against suspected terrorist camps in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, destroying hideouts and recovering weapons during a clearance mission.
The operation was conducted by soldiers of the 22 Brigade under Sector 1 of Operation Safe South-South (OPSS), a military task force set up to tackle security threats in parts of the country. Security sources said the exercise forms part of ongoing efforts by the military to keep communities safe and prevent criminal groups from gaining ground.
According to a source familiar with the operation, the troops began their movement in the early hours of April 24. At about 6:00 a.m., soldiers left their base, known as the harbour area, at Kamenji and moved towards Tungan Mariga, an area believed to have been used by suspected armed groups.
The source explained that the troops advanced carefully through the area, carrying out a search operation aimed at locating and destroying camps used by suspected terrorists. During the operation, they discovered makeshift camps at Nuku village.
“These camps were identified as suspected hideouts of criminal elements. The troops destroyed them to prevent further use,” the source said.
In addition to destroying the camps, the soldiers recovered weapons believed to have been used by the suspects. Among the items recovered were six Dane guns, which are locally made firearms often used by criminal groups in rural areas.
After completing the operation in Nuku village, the troops continued their movement to Woro village. There, the commanding officer addressed the soldiers and assessed the progress of the mission.
The source said the visit to Woro village was part of efforts to maintain morale among the troops and ensure that the operation was carried out effectively. Commanders often visit operational areas to get first-hand information and make quick decisions where necessary.
To further strengthen the mission, the troops were also provided with additional support equipment. This included an armoured personnel carrier fitted with a QJC weapon system, designed to improve firepower and enhance the safety of soldiers during operations.
In this particular mission, the troops did not encounter any resistance. The source confirmed that the operation was completed without any exchange of fire.
“The operation was conducted without resistance and ended successfully,” the source said.
While Kwara State has generally been considered more peaceful compared to some parts of northern Nigeria, recent reports of criminal activities in border communities have raised concerns among residents and authorities.
Kaiama Local Government Area, in particular, shares boundaries with other states, making it vulnerable to movement by armed groups. In recent years, there have been increased efforts by security agencies to monitor and secure such areas to prevent the spread of insecurity.
The Nigerian Army and other security agencies have continued to carry out similar operations across the country, targeting terrorist camps, bandit hideouts, and other criminal networks. These operations often involve intelligence gathering, surveillance, and coordinated ground assaults.
Residents in affected areas have welcomed the presence of security forces, expressing hope that such actions will bring lasting peace. However, some have also called for sustained operations to ensure that criminal elements do not return after troops leave.
The latest operation in Kwara is part of a broader strategy by the military to maintain pressure on armed groups and deny them safe spaces to operate. By destroying camps and recovering weapons, security forces aim to disrupt their activities and protect communities.
As operations continue, authorities have assured residents that efforts are being intensified to secure all parts of the country. For many Nigerians, especially those living in rural and border communities, such actions remain crucial in the ongoing fight against insecurity.