The Federal Government has stepped up security operations across Nigeria’s North-Central zone following a deadly assault on communities in Kwara State that reportedly left scores dead.
The attack, which occurred on Tuesday night in Woro and Nuku communities of Kaiama Local Government Area, was said to have claimed the lives of about 100 residents after gunmen stormed the villages.
In response, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced on Friday that the government had activated a renewed security crackdown tagged Operation Savannah Shield.
According to him, the operation involves the deployment of military troops, police operatives and forest guard units to reinforce security in vulnerable areas.
“Operation Savannah Shield is being implemented with strengthened intelligence gathering and rapid-response capabilities to ensure that such tragic incidents do not recur,” Idris said.
He added that the directive aligns with the expanded national security framework introduced by President Bola Tinubu.
The President condemned the killings, describing them as “cruel and cowardly acts targeted at innocent and defenceless citizens.”
“The full force of the law will be deployed against those who threaten the peace and security of our people,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.
The government disclosed that security presence has been increased in several high-risk communities across the North-Central states, including Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger and the Federal Capital Territory.
Special attention, according to the statement, is being given a to places of worship. Authorities confirmed that visible security patrols have been heightened around churches and other religious centres, especially during services.
“The protection of citizens and their right to worship freely remains a top priority,” the minister stated.
The Nigeria Police Force has also reassigned officers previously attached to VIP protection duties, returning them to core policing responsibilities to strengthen grassroots security.
While reaffirming that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy would remain locally driven, the Federal Government signalled its readiness to collaborate with international partners where necessary.
.
“Where cooperation aligns with Nigeria’s interests, the government welcomes support from friendly nations on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance,” the statement added.
Security agencies have assured residents of sustained operations aimed at restoring calm and preventing further attacks in the region.
