The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has activated Operation Savannah Shield in Kwara State following last week’s terrorist attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, which reportedly claimed more than 100 lives.
The operation, which has also been extended to Niger State, was launched after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the deployment of a battalion of troops to the affected area in the wake of the deadly attack.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Michael Onoja, the DHQ said Operation Savannah Shield was inaugurated in line with a presidential directive and would be jointly executed by the Defence Headquarters, the Army Headquarters and other security services.
According to the statement, the operation, carved out of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, is aimed at conducting intensive security operations in Kwara and Niger States to dismantle terrorist enclaves and bring perpetrators to justice.
“On this note, the Chief of Defence Staff wishes to convey his condolences and sympathy to the Government of Kwara State and the families of victims of the killings in Woro and Nuku villages in Kaiama LGA of Kwara State on 4 February 2026.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will work closely with other security agencies to ensure perpetrators are brought to justices,” the statement said.
The DHQ also expressed condolences to the affected families, assuring Nigerians that the military is collaborating with other security agencies to create an environment where citizens can live and thrive without fear.
General Onoja further highlighted successes recorded by troops across various theatres of operation within the past week. In the North-East, he said troops neutralised over 50 terrorists, rescued 82 kidnapped hostages and arrested 13 suspected terrorists.
In the North-West, troops arrested 19 suspected terrorists and rescued 23 hostages, while in the North-Central zone, 32 suspects were arrested and 22 kidnapped victims rescued.
“In the same vein, troops in the South-South arrested nine suspected oil thieves, 24 other suspected criminals and rescued one kidnap victim.
“In the South-East, troops arrested 23 terrorists and rescued six hostages,” the DHQ added.
Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, has visited Woro community as part of ongoing efforts to review the security situation and reassure residents.
During the sympathy and operational assessment visit, the GOC met with the village head and held consultations with the Senator representing Kwara North, Senator Suleiman Sadiq Umar. He also inspected the site of a mass burial conducted after the attack, to better understand the impact of the incident and reaffirm the military’s commitment to protecting the community.
According to a military source, Major General Nnebeife conducted an on-the-spot assessment of troop locations in the area, made operational adjustments and provided necessary inputs to strengthen security for both military formations and the host community.
“He commended and motivated the troops, urging them to remain vigilant and proactive in countering emerging threats within their area of responsibility.
“The GOC later proceeded to Wawa Cantonment in Niger State, where he met with the Commanding Officer of 221 Battalion and reviewed the security architecture of the cantonment and surrounding areas.
“He emphasised the need for heightened alertness against threats posed by bandits and other criminal elements, particularly within border communities.
“The visit, which ended with his return to Ilorin, was described as hitch-free,” the source said.
