Nigerian Army Rescues Victims, Destroys Bandit Camps in Kwara

The Nigerian Army has reported significant gains in a sustained operation against terrorist groups in Kwara State, leading to the rescue of kidnap victims and the destruction of multiple bandit enclaves.

In a statement released on Friday, the Army detailed “Operation Igbo Danu” (also called Operation Forest Flush), conducted between January 23 and 29, 2026. The offensive involved troops from the 22 Armoured Brigade, supported by the Office of the National Security Adviser.

According to Captain Maureen Ogbuka, who signed the statement, the operation resulted in terrorists being neutralized, with others fleeing into the forest with suspected injuries. Key bandit hideouts were targeted and destroyed, including a major logistics base at Garin Dandi in Ifelodun Local Government Area.

The statement noted that troops stormed remote camps previously inaccessible to security forces, degrading the operational capacity of the terrorist networks. Several kidnap victims were rescued from different camps, and suspected bandits were arrested at established blocking positions.

The Army also observed that bandits have received support from collaborators within nearby communities, who provide intelligence on troop movements.

Major General Chinedu Nnebife, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, called for continued public cooperation, urging residents to provide timely information. The Army emphasized that the operation is ongoing to dismantle all terrorist networks within the state.