The Federal Government has stepped up security operations across Nigeria’s North Central region following coordinated attacks that claimed the lives of about 75 villagers in Kwara State.
The renewed security push, codenamed Operation Savannah Shield, involves the deployment of military troops, police personnel and national forest guards to strengthen protection in communities considered vulnerable to further violence.
This was announced on Friday in a statement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens nationwide.
“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,” he said.
The operation is supported by improved intelligence gathering and rapid-response mechanisms designed to prevent additional attacks and swiftly neutralise threats.
The latest action falls under the broader security mandate declared by 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 stated.
President Tinubu condemned the Kwara killings as “beastly” and “heartless,” pledging that the full force of government would be directed at those responsible for destabilising communities.
As part of the enhanced measures, the Federal Government said it is prioritising the protection of lives and property, particularly in rural areas identified as high-risk zones.
The minister added that security has been reinforced around places of worship, including an increased visible presence at churches during Sunday services, in collaboration with community and faith leaders.
In a related development, the Nigeria Police Force has undertaken a major redeployment of officers previously assigned to VIP protection duties. Those officers have now been reassigned to frontline community policing roles to bolster security in Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger and the Federal Capital Territory.
President Tinubu reiterated that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism approach remains Nigerian-led and focused on protecting national sovereignty.
However, the government indicated openness to strategic partnerships, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance cooperation with allies such as the United States, where such support aligns with Nigeria’s national interest.
Idris emphasised that the administration remains determined to restore peace and ensure that citizens can live and practise their faith without intimidation.
Attack in Kwara
Gunmen reportedly struck the Woro community and the nearby Nuku area in Kwara North at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, killing at least 75 people.
The attackers also set several shops ablaze, burned the residence of a traditional ruler and forced residents to flee into surrounding bushes for safety.
The Northern States Governors’ Forum condemned the violence in Kwara, Katsina and Benue states, describing the incidents as “barbaric, senseless, and a direct assault on the collective conscience of the nation.”
Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, characterised the incident as a “pure massacre,” confirming that the victims had been laid to rest.
In response, President Tinubu has directed the deployment of an army battalion to Kwara State to reinforce ongoing security operations and prevent further attacks.
What you should know
Operation Savannah Shield is a newly intensified security operation targeting terrorist threats in Nigeria’s North Central region after deadly attacks in Kwara State left about 75 villagers dead.
The Federal Government has deployed military forces, police units and forest guards, while also strengthening intelligence and rapid-response systems. Officers previously assigned to VIP duties have been reassigned to community policing roles in affected states.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the killings and ordered additional troop deployment to Kwara. The government maintains that its counter-terrorism strategy remains Nigerian-led but is open to strategic international cooperation where necessary.
