Army Deploys Full Brigade, Heavy Equipment to Kwara to Combat Kidnappers

October 9, 2025
By Tobi Akinnubi

The Nigerian Army has deployed a full brigade and heavy combat equipment to parts of Kwara State as part of renewed efforts to dislodge kidnappers and criminal gangs operating from forests across the state.

The deployment, which began on Wednesday, covers several communities in Oke Ode and Babanla in Ifelodun Local Government Area, extending to Edu and Patigi councils — areas that have witnessed repeated cases of abduction and violent attacks in recent months.

Residents in Oke Ode reported sighting military trucks and armoured vehicles moving through the town early in the morning, heading toward forested areas believed to be hideouts of the criminal groups.

The latest operation is part of Operation Fasan Yanma, a wider military offensive aimed at restoring peace and security across the North-Central region.

Confirming the development, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, commended President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Army for their swift response to the state’s security challenges.

The governor disclosed that he had earlier met with President Tinubu during the President’s recent visit to Jos, Plateau State, where he sought federal support to tackle the rising wave of insecurity in rural communities.

Governor AbdulRazaq reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continued collaboration with security agencies to ensure lasting peace and protection of lives and property across the state.