Troops of the 2 Division/Sector 3 under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued three additional kidnap victims from Babanla Forest in Kwara State as part of ongoing military operations to flush out bandits from the area.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, Captain Stephen Nwankwo, said the rescue followed a series of coordinated operations conducted on Saturday after credible intelligence exposed the movement of kidnappers in the forest.
According to him, troops stationed at the Patrol Base in Babanla stormed a suspected bandit hideout where they successfully rescued 25-year-old Oluwabusayo Taiwo 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 soon,” the statement read.
In a separate encounter on the same day, troops conducting routine patrols along a known bandit route rescued Mr. Mohammed Sanni, a 40-year-old tea seller from Garkarima community.
The victim, who was found in a pool of blood after his abductors fled upon sighting the soldiers, was immediately taken to the patrol base clinic for medical attention.
The army also recovered a Dane gun and a cutlass from the scene.
Commending the troops, Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, praised their courage and quick response, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to eradicating criminal elements from the state.
“We remain fully committed to the safety and security of all citizens and will sustain our operations until peace and stability are completely restored across Kwara State and its environs,” Barkins assured.
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The latest operation comes barely 24 hours after troops freed two kidnapped victims in Idofin, Irepodun Local Government Area, following a gun battle with their abductors.
Earlier in the week, soldiers had also rescued two persons in Lafiagi after engaging suspected bandits in the area.
Residents in parts of Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi LGAs have repeatedly called for stronger security deployment as bandit attacks continue to disrupt farming and local trade.
The Nigerian Army says the intensified efforts under Operation FANSAN YAMMA underscore its renewed determination to restore lasting peace and normalcy to affected communities across Kwara and neighbouring states.