Troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army, with strong support from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), have recorded significant successes against terrorist elements in Kwara State under Operation Igbo Danu (Forest Flush).
The sustained offensive operations, conducted between January 23 and 29, 2026, took place across the Joint Operations Area and were led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Chinedu Nnebife, alongside the Commander 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume.
Confirming the report Captain Maureen Ogbuka of 2 Division Army Public Relations Nigerian Army/ Sector 3 Operations FANSAN YAMMA said the operations involved coordinated fighting patrols into identified bandits’ enclaves, resulting in the neutralisation of a terrorist, while several others fled into surrounding forests with suspected gunshot wounds. Troops also destroyed multiple hideouts and camps, effectively dislodging the criminal elements.
In a related development, soldiers cleared Garin Dandi, a notorious bandits’ enclave in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, dismantling key logistics bases and supply routes used by the criminals. Troops further advanced into previously inaccessible forest camps, where abandoned hideouts and logistics enablers were destroyed, significantly degrading the terrorists’ capacity to sustain operations.
Despite the challenging terrain, the troops maintained an aggressive posture, restricting the movement of the bandits. Fleeing suspects were intercepted at blocking positions, leading to arrests, while several kidnap victims were rescued from different camps across the state.
Military observations from the operations indicate that the bandits receive support from collaborators within nearby communities, who allegedly provide intelligence on troop movements, enabling early withdrawal from targeted locations.
The successes recorded, the Army said, underscore the resolve and operational effectiveness of 2 Division in degrading terrorist networks and restoring security in Kwara State. The GOC has called on members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information on criminal elements and their collaborators to support ongoing operations.
Operation Igbo Danu remains ongoing, with the military reaffirming its commitment to decisively neutralise all terrorist networks operating within Kwara State.
