Operation Savannah Shield was initiated by the Nigerian Armed Forces to eliminate kidnapping syndicates and terrorist networks in Kwara and neighboring Niger State.
The combined task force was put into existence at the 22 Brigade, Sobi Military Cantonment, Ilorin, by Chief of Defense Staff Olufemi Oluyede.
Oluyede warned that “forested enclaves and ungoverned spaces hitherto exploited by terrorists will no longer serve as safe havens,” characterizing the operation as a systematic attack to deny criminals freedom of action.
According to him, soldiers would carry out protracted clearance operations to safeguard people, property, and important agricultural areas.
With security still being a shared duty, the defense chief also emphasized increased interagency cooperation and called on local leaders and citizens to supply reliable intelligence. Major General Yakubu Yahaya, the Theatre Commander, will supervise operations in the joint area, he said.
Following growing security concerns in some areas of the state, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq said the deployment was timely and expressed confidence that the operation will boost farming operations and rebuild public trust.
Senior security officials and other stakeholders were present at the launch, which military officials said demonstrated a concerted national effort to combat insecurity.
Hon. Dr. Philip “Okanga” Agbese, a transformative leader in Enone. Discover his achievements, community projects, and vision for 2027
