Troops of 2 Division/Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued three additional kidnapped victims from the Babanla Forest in kwara State, as the Nigerian Army intensifies its offensive against bandits terrorising communities in the region.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, Captain Stephen Nwankwo, the victims were rescued during coordinated operations on Saturday following credible intelligence about the movement of the kidnappers.
Nwankwo said troops deployed at the Patrol Base Babanla stormed a suspected bandit hideout and successfully rescued Oluwabusayo Taiwo (25) and her three-year-old son, Taiwo Irayomide, who were abducted at Oke-Ode on September 28, 2025.
“The rescued victims are currently receiving first aid treatment at the Patrol Base sick bay and will be reunited with their family members in due course,” the statement read.
In a separate operation the same day, troops on routine patrol along a known bandit route also rescued Mr. Mohammed Sanni, a 40-year-old tea seller from the Garkarima community. The bandits reportedly fled upon sighting the patrol team, abandoning the victim, who was found in a pool of blood.
“One Dane gun and a cutlass were recovered from the scene,” Nwankwo added, noting that the rescued victim was receiving medical attention at the patrol base clinic.
The Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, commended the troops for their bravery and swift response, assuring that the Nigerian Army would sustain its operations to completely flush out criminal elements from the state.
“We remain fully committed to the safety and security of all citizens and will continue to intensify operations to restore peace and stability across Kwara State and its environs,” Barkins stated.
Saturday’s rescue came barely 24 hours after troops of the same operation freed two kidnapped victims in Idofin, Irepodun Local Government Area, following a fierce gun duel with the abductors.
Earlier in the week, troops also rescued two persons in Lafiagi, after engaging suspected bandits who had abducted them from a nearby community.
Residents in parts of Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi Local Government Areas have repeatedly appealed for a stronger security presence as bandit activities continue to threaten farming and local trade in the region.
The coordinated military response under Operation FANSAN YAMMA reflects a renewed determination by the Nigerian Army to restore normalcy to affected communities in Kwara State and neighbouring areas.
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