By Chimezie Godfrey
The Federal Government has intensified security operations across the North Central region following attacks in Kwara State that reportedly left about 75 villagers dead, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said.
In a statement made available to Newsdiaryonline, Idris disclosed that the renewed offensive, code-named Operation Savannah Shield, entails the deployment of military, police, and national forest guard units to reinforce security assets in the theatre.
“The renewed offensive, code-named Operation Savannah Shield, entails the deployment of military, police, and national forest guard units to reinforce security assets in the theatre. These forces are supported by enhanced intelligence capabilities and rapid-response protocols, operating under the expanded security mandate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, established when he declared a state of emergency on national security on 26 November 2026,” Idris said.
“The Kwara attacks are beastly, heartless, and emblematic of a doomed campaign by terrorists who deliberately target soft subjects. The President has directed that the full weight of the State be brought against all actors threatening the peace,” he added.
He further stated that the with heightened deployments now underway in at-risk communities, the government is demonstrating an unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives and upholding the fundamental right of all citizens to worship freely.
“With heightened deployments now underway in at-risk communities, the government 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,” Idris stated.
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.
“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,” Idris said.