By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reinforced the Federal Government’s security offensive across Nigeria’s North Central region following recent terrorist attacks that left about 75 villagers dead in Kwara State.
The renewed campaign, code-named Operation Savannah Shield, is aimed at protecting vulnerable communities and consolidating security gains in the affected states. The operation involves the coordinated deployment of the military, police, and national forest guard units to bolster security presence, backed by enhanced intelligence gathering and rapid-response mechanisms.
The intensified operations are being executed under the expanded security mandate declared by Bola Ahmed Tinubu on November 26, 2026, when he proclaimed a state of emergency on national security to address rising threats across parts of the country.
Condemning the Kwara killings, President Tinubu described the attacks as “beastly and heartless,” noting that the perpetrators deliberately targeted soft civilian populations in a desperate and failing campaign of terror.
He directed security agencies to bring the full weight of the state to bear on all individuals and groups undermining peace and stability.
As part of the reinforced measures, security deployments have been heightened in at-risk communities across the North Central states. Special attention is being given to places of worship, with increased visible security presence around churches during Sunday services and other religious gatherings. The measures are being implemented in collaboration with local authorities and faith leaders to reassure residents and prevent further attacks.
In a complementary move to strengthen grassroots security, the Nigeria Police Force has undertaken a nationwide redeployment of officers previously assigned to VIP escort duties.
The officers have been reassigned to core community policing roles, significantly increasing boots on the ground in Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Presidency reiterated that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts remain Nigerian-led and sovereignty-driven.
However, it noted that the government remains open to strategic international cooperation including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support from partners such as the United States where such collaboration aligns with Nigeria’s national interest and defined security objectives.
With Operation Savannah Shield now fully reinforced, the Federal Government says it is determined to restore confidence, protect lives, and uphold the fundamental rights of citizens, including the freedom to worship without fear.
