Banditry: We’ll deepen offensive in Kwara, Oyo, Niger – Army Commander

The Nigerian Army is moving to tighten its grip on bandit hideouts across Kwara, Oyo and Niger states with an expanded offensive anchored on new Forward Operating Bases.

The move, according to the Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier-General Nicholas Rume, is aimed at breaking criminal networks operating across forests, border communities and remote settlements in the region.

Rume said the military has sustained a series of coordinated clearance operations designed to flush out bandits, kidnappers and other armed groups terrorising rural communities.

He spoke weekend at the 2025 Nigerian Army Social Activities held at the Sobi Cantonment in Ilorin, Kwara State capital.

Daily Trust reports that the event is an annual gathering that brings together officers, soldiers and their families to promote unity, boost morale and review operational performance while celebrating Nigeria’s cultural diversity.

Over 10 groups from different Nigerian tribes performed during the event which also featured a tug-of-war between the barrack women and female officers.

Rume disclosed that operations currently being prosecuted by the brigade include Operation Fansan Yamma, Operation Harmony in Kwara State, and the recently concluded Operation Park Strike IV and V.

The Park Strike operations, he said, covered Kainji Lake National Park and surrounding villages in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, as well as Kaiama and Baruten local government areas of Kwara State.

According to him, the operations are part of a broader strategy to deny criminal groups freedom of movement and dismantle their operational bases across forest corridors linking the North Central and South West.

To sustain the momentum, the Army has established new Forward Operating Bases in Patigi and Ilemona, alongside patrol bases in Babasango, Gada and Daban Lema.

Rume said the bases were meant to enhance rapid response, intelligence gathering and sustained presence in flashpoint communities.

“These bases complement our operations in neighbouring states and strengthen our ability to respond swiftly to security threats,” he said.

He explained that the intensified operations were necessitated by the rising threat of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and armed robbery across parts of the North Central zone.

The brigade commander assured residents that the Army remains fully committed to working with other security agencies to restore lasting peace in the region.

Speaking, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State commended the military for its sustained efforts in curbing insecurity.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brigadier General Saliu Tunde Bello (Retired), the governor said the Army’s operations have played a critical role in protecting lives, farmlands and local economies.

He described the collaboration between the state government and the military as productive and impactful.

AbdulRazaq pledged continued support for the Armed Forces through logistics and operational cooperation.

He also praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their leadership and commitment to national security.

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