The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has issued a stern warning that forested enclaves and ungoverned spaces previously exploited by terrorists will no longer serve as safe havens, as troops are set to conduct sustained clearance and stabilisation operations across vulnerable areas.
General Oluyede gave the warning on Thursday while formally operationalising the Joint Task Force North Central Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD (OPSS) at the 22 Brigade, Sobi Military Cantonment, Ilorin, Kwara State, in a decisive move to tackle insecurity in the region.
The Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the intelligence-driven joint operation is mandated to dismantle terrorist networks, kidnapping syndicates and allied criminal groups threatening Kwara State and contiguous parts of Niger State.
The CDS described Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD as a deliberate and well-coordinated offensive rather than a routine deployment, aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action across vulnerable corridors. He affirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are fully prepared to dominate the operational environment, consolidate previous security gains, secure critical agricultural belts and guarantee the protection of lives and property.
General Oluyede also reassured citizens of the military’s unwavering commitment to enhanced inter-agency synergy and operational effectiveness to achieve decisive outcomes. He called on traditional institutions, youth leaders and community stakeholders to provide credible and timely intelligence, reiterating that national security remains a shared responsibility. He added that the Theatre Commander, Major General Yakubu Yahaya, would coordinate and oversee the integrated operations within the Joint Operational Area.
In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, described the deployment as strategic, timely and reassuring. He noted that recent escalations in terrorist activities across Kwara North, parts of Kwara South and adjoining communities in Niger State necessitated robust federal intervention.
While acknowledging improvements recorded in Kwara South through sustained security efforts, the governor observed that Kwara North required intensified operations to neutralise emerging threats. He commended the CDS and appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the swift response, expressing confidence that the operation would restore public confidence, reinforce peace and stimulate socio-economic recovery in the state.
He also highlighted the expected impact on food security, noting that key agricultural zones previously disrupted by insecurity would now be secured, enabling farmers to resume full-scale production without fear.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Operations, Major General Jamal Abdulsalam, lauded sustained collaboration among the Armed Forces and other security agencies, stressing that unified command and operational synergy remain pivotal to mission success.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, other Service Chiefs, heads of security agencies, senior military officers, traditional rulers and key stakeholders, signalling a unified national resolve to restore peace and stability.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating all forms of terrorism and criminality across the country.
