The Federal Government has launched a major security offensive across Nigeria’s North Central region following a deadly terrorist attack in Kwara State that claimed about 75 lives.
The operation, code-named Operation Savannah Shield, involves the deployment of military personnel, police units and national forest guards to strengthen security in vulnerable communities.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed the development in a statement on Thursday, reaffirming the government’s resolve to protect citizens.
“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.
According to him, the operation is supported by enhanced intelligence gathering and rapid-response protocols aimed at preventing further attacks.
The renewed measures fall 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 condemned the Kwara killings as “beastly” and “heartless,” vowing that the full weight of the state would be deployed against those threatening peace and stability.
As part of the heightened security response, the government said protection has been reinforced around places of worship, with increased visible presence around churches during Sunday services in coordination with community and faith leaders.
“Security has also been strengthened around places of worship, including increased visible presence around churches during Sunday services, in coordination with community and faith leaders,” the minister stated.
In a related development, the Nigeria Police Force has redeployed a large number of officers previously assigned to VIP escort duties to frontline community policing roles. The redeployment is expected to bolster security presence in Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger states and the Federal Capital Territory.
President Tinubu reiterated that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy remains Nigerian-led and sovereignty-driven. However, the government said it is open to strategic cooperation — including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support — from partners such as the United States, where such collaboration aligns with national interests.
Idris further stressed that the administration remains committed to restoring peace and ensuring that citizens can live and worship without fear.
Gruesome Attack
Gunmen attacked Woro community and neighbouring Nuku area in Kwara North at about 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, killing at least 75 residents. The assailants reportedly set shops ablaze, torched the residence of a traditional ruler and forced many villagers 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 characterised the incident as a “pure massacre,” confirming that the victims had been buried.
In response, President Tinubu has ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kwara State to reinforce ongoing security operations.
