…Assures Monarch of Sustained Operations
By Nkechi Eze
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General CR Nnebeife, has led troops in a successful rescue operation following a recent bandits’ attack near Idofin in Ayekale village, Omu-Aran Local Government Area of Kwara State.
In an official statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, it was disclosed that the GOC visited the Chief of Ayekale village, Oba Pius Oluwole Oni Dofin of Idofin Odoeshe Ayekale, on 9 October 2025, to commiserate with the community after the deadly attack at Olegbede village, about 12 kilometres from Idofin Ayekale, where three persons were unfortunately killed.
During the visit, Oba Pius Oluwole attributed the repeated attacks on his community to its proximity to the Babasango Forest, which he said has long served as a hideout for criminal elements.
Responding, Major General Nnebeife expressed his condolences to the traditional ruler and the entire community over the loss of lives, assuring them that the Nigerian Army would sustain and intensify operations to clear the Babasango Forest of bandits and other criminal elements. He emphasized the Army’s commitment to restoring peace and security across the area and preventing a recurrence of such attacks.
Earlier, during an operational visit to Patrol Base Babanla, the GOC led troops on an advance into the Babasango Forest, where they successfully rescued two kidnapped victims from the custody of bandits. The victims were later handed over to Oba Pius Oluwole during the GOC’s visit to Ayekale.
Major General Nnebeife commended the troops of Patrol Base Babanla for their courage and professionalism, urging them to remain vigilant and sustain aggressive patrols within their area of responsibility. He reiterated the Nigerian Army’s resolve under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, to eliminate all forms of criminality and safeguard the lives and property of citizens across the country.
The visit and the successful rescue operation further demonstrate the Nigerian Army’s proactive stance in countering emerging security threats and strengthening civil-military relations through community engagement and operational presence.