FG launches powerful ‘Operation Savannah Shield’ to crush terror after Kwara massacre

The Federal Government has launched a sweeping security offensive, code-named Operation Savannah Shield, following a terrorist attack in Kwara State that left at least 75 villagers dead.

Announcing the initiative on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the government is committed to protecting lives and restoring peace to affected communities.

“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 involves deployments of military personnel, police units, and national forest guards, coupled with enhanced intelligence gathering and rapid-response protocols.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the Kwara attacks as “beastly” and “heartless,” vowing that the full weight of the state will be brought to bear on those threatening peace and stability. He stressed that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy is sovereignty-driven and Nigerian-led, though strategic cooperation with international partners such as the United States will be considered where it aligns with national interests.

To strengthen protection, the Nigeria Police Force has redeployed officers from VIP duties to frontline community policing roles in Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory, while security around places of worship, particularly churches, has been intensified in coordination with faith leaders.

Operation Savannah Shield marks the latest step in President Tinubu’s expanded national security strategy, first declared during the state of emergency on November 26, 2025, aimed at decisively confronting terrorism and reassuring citizens in vulnerable communities.