By Ademola Adekusibe
October 11, 2025
KWARA — The Yoruba Times
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued two kidnapped victims during a coordinated operation in Kwara State led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife.
The rescue, carried out under Operation FANSAN YAMA, followed a surge in bandit activities around Idofin in Omu-Aran Local Government Area. The operation took place after reports of renewed attacks in nearby villages, where several traders were killed.
Army spokesperson for the 2 Division, Lt. Col. Polycarp Okoye, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday. He said Maj. Gen. Nnebeife personally led the troops into Babasango Forest, where the victims were successfully freed and later handed over to the traditional ruler of Ayekale, Oba Pius Oluwole Onidofin of Idofin Odoeshe Ayekale.
The monarch, while receiving the rescued victims, expressed concern over the growing threat of banditry due to the forest’s proximity to local communities and called for sustained military patrols.
In response, Maj. Gen. Nnebeife assured that the army would maintain its ongoing clearance operations across the forest and adjoining areas to flush out criminal elements and restore peace to the region.
