The Nigerian Army has successfully neutralized several terrorists and rescued scores of kidnap victims across Kwara State under the newly launched “Operation Igbo Danu” (also known as Operation Forest Flush).
The sustained offensive, which took place between January 23 and 29, 2026, saw troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade penetrate deep into previously inaccessible forested enclaves. The operation was conducted under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and Commander Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Chinedu Nnebife, alongside the Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume.
Success at Garin Dandi
A statement released by Captain Maureen Ogbuka, for the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division, confirmed that the troops cleared Garin Dandi, a notorious bandit stronghold in the Ifelodun Local Government Area.
“In the engagements, troops conducted fighting patrols in several bandits’ enclaves and successfully neutralised terrorists, while others escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds,” the statement read. The military also destroyed logistics bases and supply systems that had sustained the bandits’ operations for months.
COAS: Driving Victory Through Welfare
Security analysts have attributed the high morale and tactical precision of the troops to the strategic leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). Under the current leadership, the COAS has made the welfare of frontline soldiers and the modernization of “army warfare” a top priority.
Military insiders noted that the success of Operation Igbo Danu was bolstered by the COAS’s commitment to ensuring that troops are equipped with better protective gear, improved field logistics, and timely incentives. This renewed focus on the human element of the war against insurgency has significantly increased the operational tempo, allowing soldiers to maintain aggressive patrols even in the most difficult terrains.
“The COAS’s vision of a highly motivated force is what we are seeing in Kwara today,” a senior officer noted. “When the welfare of the soldier is prioritized, the result is the decimation of the enemy’s capacity.”
Community Collaboration and Challenges
Despite the victories, the Army observed that some bandits continue to receive intelligence from collaborators within nearby communities. These informants reportedly provide details on troop movements, allowing some terrorists to withdraw before soldiers arrive.
The GOC urged residents to shun such criminal alliances and instead provide timely, credible information to security forces. “The operation is ongoing to deal decisively with all terrorist networks operating within Kwara State,” the statement added.
A Conditional Peace
During the raids, several kidnap victims were liberated from various camps and are currently receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families. The Army also intercepted fleeing elements at various blocking positions, leading to the arrest of suspected bandits.
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and other utility providers in the region have expressed hope that the increased security in the area will allow for the maintenance of critical infrastructure that had previously been under threat from banditry.
As of press time, troops remain stationed in the forested regions of Kwara and neighboring parts of Niger State to ensure that fleeing terrorists do not regroup.
