The 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan, has launched “Operation Igbo Danu” – Operation Forest Flush, neutralising several bandits and clearing their camps in Kwara State.

A statement by Capt. Maureen Ogbuka, for the Acting Deputy Director 2 Div Public Relations, said the clearance operation received massive support from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and Sector 3 Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY).

According to Ogbuka, they were conducted under the leadership of Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebife, the GOC 2 Division and alongside Commander Sector 3, Operation Fansan Yamma, Brig.-Gen. Nicholas Rume, the Commander 22 Brigade.

She said troops neutralised many terrorists, while others escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds, adding that their hideouts and camps were completely destroyed.

“Similarly, troops cleared Garin Dandi, a known enclave of bandits in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, leading to the decimation of the bandits’ logistics bases and supply system.
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“Troops also stormed remote camps hitherto inaccessible to security forces where several abandoned camps and logistics enablers were destroyed, significantly degrading the terrorists’ sustainment capability,” she said.
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Egbuka said that, despite the difficult and restrictive terrain, troops maintained an aggressive posture throughout the forested areas, effectively denying the bandits freedom of movement.

The troops, she said, intercepted fleeing elements at various blocking positions, leading to the arrest of suspected bandits, while the operations resulted in the rescue of numerous kidnap victims from different camps in the state.
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“Observations from the operations indicate that bandits receive support from collaborators within nearby communities, who provide intelligence on troop movements, enabling early withdrawal from targeted locations.”

Egbuka said the successes recorded underscored the resolve and operational effectiveness of the 2 Division in degrading terrorist elements and restoring security across Kwara State.
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The GOC called on members of the public to continue to provide credible and timely information on bandits and their collaborators to enhance the ongoing operations aimed at dealing decisively with all terrorist networks operating in the state.

In other news, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation, has condoled with the families of the victims and the entire people of Biu Emirate, Borno State, over the recent tragic attack attributed to Boko Haram.

The foundation described an attack which occurred at a work site in the area, which claimed the lives of dozens, including brave soldiers committed to protecting the nation, as devastating.

In a statement by the Chairman of the foundation, Ibrahim Danfulani, Buratai, the former Chief of Army Staff, described the incident as “one too many senseless, barbaric, and ruthless displays of inhumanity.”

He noted the heartbreaking impact of such attacks on innocent, hardworking citizens striving to make a positive difference in their communities.

The former Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, however, hailed the swift and decisive response of the military during the assault, underscoring their brave commitment to safeguarding the nation.

“May Almighty Allah forgive their souls and grant them Aljannah Firdouse,” he remarked, encouraging the nation to honour their spirit of sacrifice as they rally together to rebuild and restore hope across the region.