Troops Dismantle Bandit Camps, Rescue Kidnap Victims in Kwara
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified operations in Kwara State, dismantling bandit camps and rescuing kidnapped victims in multiple coordinated offensives.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this during a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja, detailing successes recorded under Operation Savannah Shield.
He said troops, in collaboration with forest guards and local vigilantes, engaged kidnappers in Iru Forest in Ifelodun Local Government Area, rescuing three abducted victims.
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Onoja noted that the operation highlighted the importance of community participation in security efforts.
He added that clearance operations were extended to Kaiama Local Government Area, where troops advanced to Tungan Mariga and destroyed suspected bandits’ camps at Nuku Village.
During the operation, six Dane guns were recovered from abandoned hideouts, further weakening criminal networks operating in the area.
The military spokesman also revealed that troops carried out follow-up operations in Patigi Local Government Area, targeting terrorist logistics suppliers.
According to him, the suspects sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter, while three motorcycles and assorted supplies were recovered.
He said troops also responded swiftly to a kidnap incident along the Eruku–Egbe road in Ekiti Local Government Area, rescuing one victim and recovering two motorcycles belonging to the attackers.
Onoja added that efforts were ongoing to locate another victim still in captivity.
He explained that the sustained military pressure had significantly disrupted criminal activities across forest corridors linking Kwara to neighbouring states.
The spokesman reiterated that troops would continue aggressive patrols and intelligence-driven operations to deny criminals freedom of movement.
He urged residents to support security agencies with timely information, stressing that community collaboration remained vital in tackling insecurity.
Onoja assured that the Armed Forces remained committed to restoring lasting peace and safeguarding lives and property in Kwara and beyond.
