Troops of 2 Division/Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA of the Nigerian Army combed several bandits’ hideouts within the Babanla forest in Kwara state, rescuing three victims reportedly kidnapped in September.

This was confirmed in a statement on X by Ibraheem Abdullateef, the Senior Special Assistant on Communications to the Kwara Governor, on Sunday.

Victim

The statement reads, “Nigerian Army, troops of 2 Division/Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued three (3) more kidnapped victims at different locations within the Babanla Forest on Saturday, 11 October 2025.

“Acting on credible intelligence, troops deployed at the Patrol Base Babanla swiftly mobilised to a suspected bandit hideout and rescued Mrs Oluwabusayo Taiwo, aged 25, and her 3-year-old son, Taiwo Irayomide, who were among the victims abducted at Oke-Ode on 28 September 2025.

“They also rescued Mr Mohammadu Sani *_Mai Shayi_,* a 40-year-old local tea seller from Garkarima. The victims are currently receiving first aid treatment at the Patrol Base sick bay and will be reunited with their family members in due course.

According to Abdullateef, the troops recovered one dane gun and a cutlass from the scene.

The Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, has reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army will remain committed towards ensuring the safety and security of all citizens as they intensify operations aimed at strengthening peace and stability across Kwara State and its environs.