By ZAKAA LAZARUS
Troops of 22 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army with massive support from ONSA has sustained coordinated offensive operations against terrorist elements within the Joint Operations Area (JOA), achieving notable successes between 23 and 29 January 2026.
These operations were conducted under the leadership of Major General Chinedu Nnebife, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), alongside Brigadier General Nicholas Rume, the Commander 22 Brigade. Their efforts reflect high operational responsiveness and determination to dismantle terrorist networks.
In the engagements, troops , in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), conducted fighting patrols in several bandits enclaves. They successfully neutralised a terrorists, while others managed to escape into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds. Their hideouts and camps were completely destroyed leaving the brigands dislodged.
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.
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.
Despite the difficult and restrictive terrain, troops maintained an aggressive posture throughout the forested areas, effectively denying the bandits freedom of movement. Furthermore, troops intercepted fleeing elements at various blocking positions, leading to the arrest of suspected bandits. The operations also resulted in the rescue of numerous kidnap victims from different camps in the state.
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. The successes recorded underscore the resolve and operational effectiveness of the Divison in degrading terrorist elements and restoring security across Kwara State.
The GOC 2 Division Nigerian Army has called on members of the public to continue to provide credible and timely information on bandits and their collaborators to enhance ongoing operations. The operation is ongoing to deal decisively with all terrorist networks operating within Kwara State.
