GOC 2 Division Visits Kwara Community, Leads Rescue of Kidnapped Victims After Bandits’ Attack

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General CR Nnebeife, has paid an operational visit to Patrol Base Babanla and Ayekale community in Omu-Aran Local Government Area of Kwara State following a recent bandits’ attack that claimed three lives near Idofin in Ayekale village.

The attack, which occurred at Olegbede village—about 12 kilometers from Idofin Ayekale—left residents in shock and mourning. During his visit on October 9, 2025, Major General Nnebeife met with the traditional ruler of the community, Oba Pius Oluwole Oni, the Dofin of Idofin Odoeshe Ayekale, to commiserate with him and the affected families.

Oba Pius Oluwole attributed the frequent attacks on his community to its closeness to the Babasango Forest, which he described as a hideout for criminal elements.

Responding, Major General Nnebeife assured the royal father that the Nigerian Army remains fully committed to flushing out bandits and other criminal elements from the entire forest and neighboring areas.

Earlier in the day, the GOC had led troops on an operational patrol from the Babanla Patrol Base toward Babasango Forest, where they successfully rescued two kidnapped victims. The rescued persons were subsequently handed over to the Dofin of Idofin Ayekale during the visit.

Major General Nnebeife reaffirmed the Army’s resolve to sustain intensive operations within Kwara and adjoining states to ensure the safety of lives and property.

The statement was issued by Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division Nigerian Army, on October 10, 2025.