FG, military launch ‘Operation Savannah Shield’ to curb insecurity in North Central

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin –

The Federal Government, in collaboration with Nigeria’s security agencies, on Thursday officially launched Operation Savannah Shield, a joint initiative aimed at tackling criminal activities in Kwara State and neighbouring areas.

The operation was flagged off at the Sobi Barracks in Ilorin by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu. The initiative follows approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in response to recent deadly attacks in Kaiama and parts of Niger State.

At the ceremony, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude to the president for responding promptly to his call over rising activities of terrorist groups and kidnapping gangs. He described the deployment as a significant relief for residents across the state.

The governor highlighted that insecurity in parts of Kwara North and South, as well as neighbouring Niger State, has escalated over the past year. While security interventions have improved conditions in Kwara South, Kwara North remains a major concern, necessitating the launch of the operation.

Governor AbdulRazaq further warned that the rising violence threatens food production, as affected areas are key farming belts. Farmers have faced repeated disruptions, negatively impacting livelihoods and the local food supply.

Speaking with journalists during the visit, Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyede explained that the operation is designed to checkmate atrocities committed by criminal elements. The joint task force will comprise Army, Navy, and Air Force components operating under a coordinated command structure.

Oluyede described Operation Savannah Shield as a proactive, intelligence-driven campaign targeting kidnappings and related crimes. Troops will conduct operations in forested areas, including the Kainji Lake National Park, reportedly used as hideouts by criminal groups.

The defence chief assured residents that the campaign would be sustained and not a temporary surge. Both kinetic and non-kinetic measures, including patrols, targeted operations, and community engagement, will be employed, while traditional rulers and community leaders are urged to support security agencies with credible information.