The Federal Government of Nigeria has intensified security operations across the North Central region following terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of about 75 villagers in Kwara State.
The renewed offensive, code-named Operation Savannah Shield, involves the deployment of military personnel, police units, and national forest guards to reinforce security in vulnerable communities.
This was disclosed in a statement on Thursday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who affirmed the government’s commitment to protecting citizens’ lives.
“Our administration remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the lives of all Nigerians and protecting their constitutional right to live and worship freely without fear,” Idris said.
The operation is supported by enhanced intelligence gathering and rapid-response protocols, under the expanded security mandate declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who proclaimed a state of emergency on national security on November 26.
“Operation Savannah Shield is a clear demonstration of this administration’s resolve to decisively confront terrorism and restore confidence in affected communities,” Idris added.
President Tinubu described the Kwara attacks as “beastly” and “heartless,” vowing to bring the full weight of the state against those threatening peace and stability.
Heightened Security Measures
The Federal Government has prioritised the protection of lives and property, particularly in at-risk rural communities. Security has been reinforced around places of worship, with visible patrols during church services in coordination with community and faith leaders.
The Nigeria Police Force has also redeployed officers previously assigned to VIP duties to frontline community policing roles, strengthening presence in Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory.
President Tinubu reiterated that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy remains Nigerian-led and sovereignty-driven, while remaining open to strategic cooperation with partners, including intelligence and surveillance support where aligned with national interests.
The Kwara Attack
Gunmen struck the Woro community and neighbouring Nuku area in Kwara North around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, killing at least 75 people. The attackers also set shops ablaze, torched a traditional ruler’s residence, and forced residents to flee into nearby bushes.
The Northern States Governors’ Forum condemned the killings in Kwara, Katsina, and Benue states, describing them as “barbaric, senseless, and a direct assault on the collective conscience of the nation.”
Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, described the attack as a “pure massacre,” confirming that victims have been buried. In response, President Tinubu ordered the deployment of an army battalion to reinforce security operations in Kwara State.
