Troops rescue woman, child, tea seller from bandits in Kwara forest

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Nigerian Army, under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, successfully rescued three kidnapped victims from bandit hideouts in Babanla Forest on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

Senior Special Adviser to the Kwara Governor, Ibraheem Abdullateef, confirmed the operation in a statement on Sunday viaX, revealing swift military action based on credible intelligence.

The rescued victims include Oluwabusayo Taiwo, 25, and her three-year-old son, Taiwo Irayomide, who were abducted in Oke-Ode on September 28, 2025.

Also freed was Mohammadu Sani, a 40-year-old local tea seller from Garkarima, known as Mai Shayi.

According to Abdullateef, “Troops deployed at the Patrol Base Babanla swiftly mobilised to a suspected bandit hideout and rescued Mrs Oluwabusayo Taiwo, aged 25, and her 3 years old son. They also rescued Mr Mohammadu Sani Mai Shayi , a 40 years old local tea seller from Garkarima.”

The victims are currently receiving first aid treatment at the Patrol Base sick bay and will soon be reunited with their families. The troops also recovered a dane gun and a cutlass from the site of the rescue.

Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, underscored the Army’s dedication to public safety, stating, “the Nigerian Army will remain committed towards ensuring the safety and security of all citizens as they intensify operations aimed at strengthening peace and stability across Kwara State and its environs.”