GOC 2 DIVISION LEADS TROOPS IN RESCUE OPERATION, VISITS ATTACKED COMMUNITY IN KWARA

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, has led troops on an operational visit to Patrol Base Babanla and neighbouring communities in Kwara State, where he supervised the rescue of two kidnapped victims and commiserated with locals affected by recent bandit attacks.

The visit, which took place on 9 October 2025, followed a violent attack by bandits on traders at Olegbede village, near Idofin Ayekale in Omu-Aran Local Government Area of Kwara State. The attack, which occurred about 12 kilometres from Idofin Ayekale, claimed the lives of three persons.

According to a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director,  Army  Public Relations, 2 Div Nigerian Army,  during the visit to the Chief of Ayekale village, Oba Pius Oluwole Oni Dofin of Idofin Odoeshe Ayekale, Major General Nnebeife expressed deep condolences to the traditional ruler and the entire community over the unfortunate incident.

Oba Pius Oluwole attributed the persistent attacks in the area to the proximity of the community to the Babasango Forest, which has become a known hideout for criminal elements.

In his response, the GOC assured the monarch that the Nigerian Army would sustain intensified operations aimed at clearing bandits and other criminal groups from the forest and surrounding areas.

Earlier in the day, during his operational tour of Patrol Base Babanla, the GOC and his troops conducted a clearance operation in parts of Babasango Forest, resulting in the rescue of two kidnapped victims. The rescued persons were later handed over to Oba Pius Oluwole for onward reunification with their families.

Major General Nnebeife reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of communities across Kwara and adjoining states, while urging residents to continue providing actionable intelligence to support ongoing operations.