The Federal Government has intensified security operations across the North Central region following deadly attacks in Kwara State that reportedly claimed the lives of several villagers.
Kano Times reports that the incident occurred last Tuesday night when Islamic militants allegedly attacked Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, with at least 100 persons feared killed.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Federal Government announced that the renewed offensive, code-named Operation Savannah Shield, would involve the deployment of military personnel, police officers and national forest guard units to strengthen security in vulnerable communities.
The statement noted that the operation is backed by enhanced intelligence capabilities and rapid-response measures under the expanded security mandate established by President Bola Tinubu when he declared a state of emergency on national security on November 26, 2026.
According to the statement, Tinubu described the attacks in Kwara as “beastly, heartless, and emblematic of a doomed campaign by terrorists who deliberately target soft subjects.”
He further directed that “the full weight of the State be brought against all actors threatening the peace.”
Idris disclosed that heightened deployments were underway in at-risk communities across the region, with a focus on protecting lives and safeguarding citizens’ right to worship freely.
The statement added that security had been strengthened around places of worship, including increased visible presence around churches on Sundays, in collaboration with local communities and faith leaders.
“With heightened deployments now underway in at-risk communities, President Tinubu is demonstrating an unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives and upholding the fundamental right of all citizens to worship freely.
“Enhanced security around places of worship, including increased visible presence around churches on Sundays, is being implemented in close coordination with the local community and faith leaders,” the statement said.
The Nigeria Police Force has also carried out a nationwide redeployment of officers previously assigned to VIP escort duties.
“These personnel have been returned to core community policing functions, delivering measurable improvements in security presence across Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory,” the statement added.
The President reaffirmed that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations would remain Nigerian-led and sovereignty-driven, while expressing readiness to cooperate with international partners where necessary.
“Where appropriate and consistent with the nation’s interests, the Government welcomes broad cooperation, including from the United States and other partners on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, in support of objectives defined by Nigeria, and for Nigerians,” the statement concluded.
