•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN – TROOPS of the Nigerian Army’s 22 Armoured Brigade, under the 2 Division, have recorded significant operational successes following the launch of Operation “Igbo Danu”, a sustained forest-clearing offensive targeting terrorist elements in Kwara State.
The coordinated operations, conducted between 23 and 29 January 2026, were executed with massive support from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) within the Joint Operations Area (JOA).
The offensive was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Major General Chinedu Nnebife, alongside the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume.
According to military sources, troops carried out aggressive fighting patrols across several bandits’ enclaves, resulting in the neutralisation of a terrorist, while several others fled into surrounding forests with suspected gunshot wounds. The operation also led to the destruction of multiple hideouts and camps, effectively dislodging the criminals from their strongholds.
The troops further advanced into remote camps previously inaccessible to security forces, where several abandoned camps and logistics enablers were destroyed, significantly degrading the terrorists’ sustainment capabilities.
Despite the difficult and restrictive terrain, troops maintained an aggressive posture across the forested areas, denying the criminals freedom of movement.
Blocking positions were established along escape routes, resulting in the arrest of suspected bandits.
The operations also led to the rescue of several kidnap victims from different camps across the state.
Observations from the operations revealed that the bandits receive support from collaborators within nearby communities, who 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 elements and restoring security in Kwara State.
The GOC, Major General Nnebife, has urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely intelligence on bandits and their collaborators to support ongoing operations.
He assured that Operation Igbo Danu remains ongoing, with troops determined to decisively dismantle all terrorist networks operating within Kwara State.