The 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army has officially launched Operation IGBO DANU, also known as Operation Forest Flush, resulting in a series of successful strikes against terrorist elements across Kwara State between January 23 and 29, 2026. This coordinated offensive was carried out by troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade with significant strategic backing from the Office of the National Security Adviser. Under the leadership of Major General Chinedu Nnebife, General Officer Commanding 2nd Division, and Brigadier General Nicholas Rume, Commander 22 Brigade, the troops demonstrated high operational responsiveness in their mission to dismantle criminal networks within the Joint Operations Area.
During the engagements, security forces conducted intensive fighting patrols into several bandit enclaves, successfully neutralizing terrorists and forcing others to flee into the forest with gunshot wounds. The operation led to the total destruction of hidden camps and hideouts, effectively dislodging the brigands from their bases. A major breakthrough occurred in the Ifelodun Local Government Area, where troops cleared the notorious Garin Dandi enclave. This action resulted in the decimation of the bandits’ logistics bases and the total disruption of their supply systems, significantly weakening their operational capacity.
The offensive extended into remote forest areas that were previously considered inaccessible to security forces. By storming these hidden camps, the military destroyed critical logistics enablers and degraded the terrorists’ ability to sustain themselves in the wild. Despite the restrictive and difficult terrain, the 2nd Division maintained an aggressive posture to deny bandits freedom of movement. This persistent pressure allowed troops to intercept fleeing elements at various blocking positions, leading to the arrest of suspected bandits and the successful rescue of numerous kidnap victims held across the state.
Intelligence gathered during the operation indicates that these bandit groups often receive support from collaborators within local communities who provide early warnings regarding troop movements. However, the destruction of these remote camps and the rescue of victims underscore the resolve of the 2nd Division to restore security. The successes recorded during this period highlight a significant degradation of terrorist capabilities and a renewed commitment to ending insurgency across Kwara State.





