BY VICTOR BUORO – Following the unprovoked and cowardly terrorist attacks that claimed about 75 innocent lives in Kwara State, the Federal Government has assured that security operations are being intensified across the North Central region to protect civilians in vulnerable communities.
Code-named “Operation Savannah Shield”, the renewed offensive involves deployment of military, police, and national forest guard units to reinforce security assets in the theatre of operation
According to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, these forces are supported by enhanced intelligence capabilities and rapid-response protocols, operating under the expanded security mandate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He explained that these protocols were established when the President declared a state of emergency on national security on November 26, 2026.
The Minister quoted the President as condemning the Kwara attacks as “beastly, heartless, and emblematic of a doomed campaign by terrorists who deliberately target soft subjects”, adding that there is a presidential directive to have the full weight of the State brought against all actors threatening the country’s peace.
Idris said: “With heightened deployments now underway in at-risk communities, the President 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 Minister also stated that, “Further strengthening the security architecture, the Nigeria Police Force has executed a large-scale redeployment of officers previously assigned to VIP escort duties nationwide. 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.”
Importantly, the Minister added: “President Tinubu has consistently affirmed that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations will remain Nigerian-led and sovereignty-driven. 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.”
