The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has warned that forest enclaves and ungoverned spaces previously exploited by terrorists will no longer serve as safe havens, as the military intensifies operations across vulnerable regions.
This comes as military authorities launched a probe into the source of ₦37 million intercepted by troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, along the Maiduguri–Magumeri Road on February 16, 2026.
Security experts also stressed that defeating insecurity in Nigeria requires a deliberate mix of increased manpower, deployment of modern technology and strengthened governance.
Oluyede disclosed that troops under the newly inaugurated Operation Savannah Shield will conduct sustained clearance and stabilisation operations across key corridors, affirming that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are prepared to dominate the operational environment, consolidate gains, secure agricultural belts and protect lives and property.
According to a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, the CDS emphasised that Operation Savannah Shield is a deliberate offensive aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Joint Task Force North Central Operation Savannah Shield at the 22 Brigade, Sobi Military Cantonment in Ilorin, Oluyede said the intelligence-driven operation is mandated to dismantle terrorist networks and kidnapping syndicates threatening Kwara State and neighbouring parts of Niger State.
He reassured citizens of enhanced inter-agency collaboration and called on traditional rulers, youth leaders and communities to provide credible intelligence, stressing that national security is a shared responsibility.
Oluyede added that Theatre Commander, Yakubu Yahaya, will oversee integrated operations within the joint operational area.
In his remarks, Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq described the deployment as strategic and timely, noting that rising threats across Kwara North and adjoining communities necessitated federal intervention.
He commended the CDS and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the swift response, expressing confidence that the operation would restore peace, rebuild trust and boost socio-economic recovery, particularly by securing key farming zones.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Operations, Jamal Abdulsalam, highlighted the importance of unified command and synergy among security agencies, while the ceremony drew top military officials, traditional rulers and stakeholders.
Meanwhile, military authorities said five suspects arrested in connection with the intercepted ₦37 million claimed the funds were meant for distribution to vulnerable communities on behalf of an international NGO, contradicting earlier suspicions of possible terrorism financing.
In his weekly briefing, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, said:
“On 16 February 2026, troops on routine offensive patrol along the Maiduguri–Magumeri axis intercepted five individuals in possession of N37 million in cash.
The suspects claimed the money was meant for distribution to vulnerable communities on behalf of the international NGO.
“The individuals and the seized funds have been taken into custody for further verification and investigation to ascertain the legitimacy of the transaction and rule out any potential links to terrorist financing or aid diversion.”
Onoja also confirmed the arrest of Mallam Dauda Usman Gubula in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, where troops recovered two aerial drones and 20 solar power banks.
He added:
“The Defence Headquarters reiterates the unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to defending the nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.
“Troops across all theatres remain resolute, professional and guided by established rules of engagement, respect for human rights and the rule of law.”
Oluyede commended troops for their sustained operations against terrorism and banditry and thanked host communities for providing timely intelligence.
In a separate development, security experts advocated compulsory military service as part of broader reforms to tackle insecurity.
Speaking at the unveiling of his book, Serving the Nation: Exploring Mandatory Military Service for Nigerian Youths, security expert Mohammed Abubabar said structured national service would instil patriotism, discipline and defence readiness, stressing that good governance must be anchored on accountability, transparency and rule of law.
He warned that without governance reforms, progress in the fight against insecurity would remain limited.
Also speaking, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, underscored the benefits of structured military service but cautioned that any policy must align with constitutional and fiscal realities.
Represented by Colonel George Usibe, the minister said maintaining a professional Armed Forces focused on readiness, technology and inter-service cooperation remains central to defence reforms, adding that consultative hybrid models could strengthen national service.
Experts at the event also suggested adopting elements of the Israeli compulsory service model to enhance national preparedness and intelligence capabilities.
