Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division/Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued three kidnapped victims during coordinated raids on suspected bandit hideouts in Babanla Forest, Kwara State.
The operation, carried out on Saturday, October 11, 2025, followed credible intelligence that led soldiers deployed at the Patrol Base Babanla to storm a hideout where Mrs. Oluwabusayo Taiwo, 25, and her three year old son, Taiwo Irayomide, were being held. The victims had been abducted from Oke Ode on September 28, 2025.
Army sources said the victims received first aid treatment at the patrol base’s sick bay and would be reunited with their family after full medical evaluation.
In a separate patrol along a known bandit route, troops also rescued Mr. Mohammadu Sani, popularly known as Mai Shayi, a 40 year old tea seller from Garkarima community, who had been abducted and left injured.
According to military reports, the bandits fled on sighting the patrol team, abandoning the victim in a pool of blood. A dane gun and a cutlass were recovered from the scene. The victim is currently receiving medical attention at the Patrol Base.
The Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, commended the troops for their swift response, courage, and professionalism during the operations.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting lives and restoring peace in Kwara and other parts of the country affected by banditry.
Barkins said the ongoing operations under Operation FANSAN YAMMA are part of a wider strategy to flush out criminal elements and rebuild public confidence in local communities.