By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Army’s 2 Division has recorded significant operational successes against terrorist elements in Kwara State following the launch of Operation Igbo Danu, also known as Operation Forest Flush.
Troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade, with strong support from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), sustained coordinated offensive operations across the Joint Operations Area between 23 and 29 January 2026, targeting identified bandit and terrorist enclaves.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations and Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Captain Maureen Ogbuka, the operations were conducted under the leadership of 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.
The statement noted that the coordinated actions demonstrated high operational responsiveness and firm resolve to dismantle terrorist networks in the area.During the operations, troops, in collaboration with ONSA operatives, carried out aggressive fighting patrols in several bandits’ hideouts. A number of terrorists were neutralised, while others fled into surrounding forests with suspected gunshot wounds. Their camps and hideouts were completely destroyed, effectively dislodging the criminal elements.
Similarly, troops cleared Garin Dandi, a notorious bandit enclave in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, resulting in the destruction of logistics bases and supply networks used by the terrorists. The operation further extended to remote and previously inaccessible camps, where several abandoned camps and logistics enablers were uncovered and destroyed, significantly degrading the terrorists’ sustainment capability.
Despite the challenging and restrictive terrain, troops maintained an aggressive posture throughout the forested areas, denying the bandits freedom of movement. Fleeing elements were intercepted at various blocking positions, leading to the arrest of suspected bandits, while several kidnap victims were successfully rescued from different camps across the state.
The statement observed that some bandits receive support from collaborators within nearby communities who provide intelligence on troop movements, enabling early withdrawal from targeted locations.
Nonetheless, the successes recorded underscore the determination and operational effectiveness of 2 Division in degrading terrorist elements and restoring security across Kwara State.
The GOC 2 Division Nigerian Army has urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information on bandits and their collaborators to support ongoing operations, assuring that Operation Igbo Danu remains ongoing to decisively eliminate all terrorist networks operating within the state.
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