The Nigerian Army has launched Operation Igbo Danu, also known as Operation Forest Flush, resulting in the neutralisation of terrorists and the rescue of kidnapped victims across various parts of Kwara State.
This was confirmed in a statement on the Nigerian Army’s X handle on Friday, signed by Captain Maureen Ogbuka on behalf of the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division Nigerian Army.
According to the release, troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade, with support from the Office of the National Security Adviser, carried out sustained offensive operations in the Joint Operations Area from January 23 to 29, 2026.
The operations were led by Major General Chinedu Nnebife, General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, alongside Brigadier General Nicholas Rume, Commander of 22 Armoured Brigade.
“In the course of the operations, troops conducted combat patrols in multiple bandit enclaves, successfully neutralising terrorists, while others fled into the forest, reportedly with gunshot injuries,” the statement said.
The army added that bandit hideouts and camps were destroyed, forcing the criminals to abandon their positions. Troops notably cleared Garin Dandi, a major bandit enclave in Ifelodun Local Government Area, significantly disrupting the group’s logistics and supply systems.
“Troops cleared Garin Dandi, a known bandit stronghold in Ifelodun LGA, leading to the destruction of their logistics bases and supply lines,” Ogbuka said.
Soldiers also targeted remote and previously inaccessible camps, demolishing abandoned sites and logistical enablers, further weakening the terrorists’ operational capabilities. Despite challenging terrain, the army maintained aggressive operations across forested areas, limiting the freedom of movement for bandits.
The statement noted that fleeing elements were intercepted at various blocking points, resulting in the arrest of suspected bandits and the rescue of numerous kidnapped victims from different locations.
The army observed that some bandits benefited from assistance by collaborators in nearby communities, who provided intelligence that allowed them to evade capture.
The GOC urged residents to support ongoing operations by providing timely and credible information to security forces.
