Nigerian army destroys bandits’ camps in Kwara, rescues kidnap victims
Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded a major operational success in Kwara State, destroying several bandits’ camps and rescuing kidnap victims during a sustained offensive across criminal enclaves in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The clearance operation was carried out by troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade between January 23 and 29, 2026, as part of coordinated military actions under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, within the Joint Operations Area.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Captain Maureen Ogbuka, who said the offensive was supported by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
According to her, the troops overran multiple bandits’ hideouts and logistics bases, arresting suspected criminals and rescuing abducted victims from different locations across the state.
Captain Ogbuka noted that despite operating in difficult and rugged terrain, the troops were able to significantly degrade the bandits’ operational capacity by cutting off supply routes and destroying their camps.
She added that during aggressive fighting patrols across several enclaves, troops neutralised one terrorist, while others fled into nearby forests with suspected gunshot wounds as their hideouts were dismantled. The operation also led to the clearance of Garin Dandi, a key logistics hub for the criminal elements.
The Army spokesperson said the operations were conducted under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebife, alongside the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume, describing the effort as a reflection of “high operational responsiveness and determination to dismantle terrorist networks.”
She further disclosed that troops stormed previously inaccessible remote camps, leading to the arrest of additional suspects and the rescue of more kidnap victims.
The Nigerian Army urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information, assuring the public that ongoing operations would decisively neutralise all bandit and terrorist networks operating within Kwara State.
