The Armed Forces of Nigeria has launched Operation Savannah Shield to dismantle terrorist networks and kidnapping syndicates in Kwara and neighbouring Niger State.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, operationalised the joint task force at the 22 Brigade, Sobi Military Cantonment, Ilorin.
Oluyede described the mission as a deliberate offensive to deny criminals freedom of action, warning that “forested enclaves and ungoverned spaces hitherto exploited by terrorists will no longer serve as safe havens.”
He said troops would conduct sustained clearance operations to protect lives, property and key agricultural zones.
The defence chief also stressed enhanced inter-agency collaboration and urged community leaders and residents to provide credible intelligence, noting that security remains a shared responsibility. He said the Theatre Commander, Major General Yakubu Yahaya, will oversee operations in the joint area.
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq described the deployment as timely following rising security concerns in parts of the state, expressing confidence that the operation would restore public confidence and improve farming activities.
Military authorities said the launch, attended by senior security officials and stakeholders, reflects a coordinated national effort to address insecurity.
CDS launches operation Savannah Shield, warns terrorists in kwara