(PHOTOS):GOC 2 Division visits, Charges Oyo, Osun Troops to Remain Professional, Proactive

The General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, has charged troops in newly established formations and units in Oyo and Osun states to remain disciplined, professional and proactive in the discharge of their duties. Mahmuda gave the charge on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during an inspection of the newly established Headquarters 7 Brigade in Oyo, Oyo State, and 137 Battalion in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The visit was aimed at ensuring the smooth take-off of the new formations and enabling the troops to immediately commence their constitutional responsibilities across the two states. Addressing the soldiers, the GOC urged them to maintain high standards of discipline and conduct, warning that he would not tolerate unprofessional behaviour. He also reminded the troops that their actions could affect the image of the Nigerian Army and urged them to maintain effective civil-military relations with their host communities. According to Mahmuda, the establishment of the new formations reflects the Chief of Army Staff’s, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, strategy to increase the number of troops on the ground to respond more effectively to emerging security challenges. He also noted that the Army was working to improve troops’ welfare under the COAS’s “Soldiers First” concept, urging personnel to reciprocate by remaining committed to their duties and denying criminal elements freedom of action. Meanwhile, community leaders in Ile-Ife, led by Sooko Adegboyega Ogunwusi, Sooko Laukun of Ife, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for establishing 137 Battalion in the town. They also thanked the Chief of Army Staff and the GOC for the new unit and pledged their support for its operations in the community.

2 Division Launches “Operation Igbo Danu” In Kwara, Destroys Terrorists’ Camps

  Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 22 Armoured Brigade, under the 2 Division, have recorded significant operational successes following the launch of Operation “Igbo Danu”, a sustained forest-clearing offensive targeting terrorist elements in Kwara State. The coordinated operations according to a signed press statement made available to journalists on Friday conducted between 23 and 29 January 2026, were executed with massive support from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) within the Joint Operations Area (JOA). The offensive was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Major General Chinedu Nnebife, alongside the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume. According to military sources, troops carried out aggressive fighting patrols across several bandits’ enclaves, resulting in the neutralisation of a terrorist, while several others fled into surrounding forests with suspected gunshot wounds. The operation also led to the destruction of multiple hideouts and camps, effectively dislodging the criminals from their strongholds. In a related operation, troops successfully cleared Garin Dandi, a notorious bandits’ enclave in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, leading to the destruction of logistics bases and disruption of the bandits’ supply networks. The troops further advanced into remote camps previously inaccessible to security forces, where several abandoned camps and logistics enablers were destroyed, significantly degrading the terrorists’ sustainment capabilities. Despite the difficult and restrictive terrain, troops maintained an aggressive posture across the forested areas, denying the criminals freedom of movement. Blocking positions were established along escape routes, resulting in the arrest of suspected bandits. The operations also led to the rescue of several kidnap victims from different camps across the state. Observations from the operations revealed that the bandits receive support from collaborators within nearby communities, who provide intelligence on troop movements, enabling early withdrawal from targeted locations. The successes recorded, the Army said, underscore the resolve and operational effectiveness of 2 Division in degrading terrorist elements and restoring security in Kwara State. The GOC, Major General Nnebife, has urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely intelligence on bandits and their collaborators to support ongoing operations. He assured that Operation Igbo Danu remains ongoing, with troops determined to decisively dismantle all terrorist networks operating within Kwara State.