President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reinforced security operations across Nigeria’s North Central region under the renewed military campaign, Operation Savannah Shield, following deadly terrorist attacks in Kwara State that reportedly claimed about 75 lives.
The Federal Government said the intensified operation aims to protect vulnerable communities and restore public confidence after what the President described as “beastly and heartless” attacks targeting innocent villagers.
According to a statement issued in Abuja by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the operation involves the deployment of military personnel, officers of the Nigeria Police Force, and national forest guard units across at-risk communities in the North Central states.
The reinforced deployment is supported by enhanced intelligence-gathering capabilities and rapid-response mechanisms. The security forces are operating under an expanded mandate granted by President Tinubu following his declaration of a state of emergency on national security.
States covered under the intensified operations include Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory.
As part of efforts to safeguard citizens’ fundamental rights, the government has heightened security presence around places of worship. Visible patrols, particularly around churches during Sunday services, are being coordinated in collaboration with community stakeholders and faith leaders.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting Nigerians’ right to worship freely without fear of intimidation or violence.
In a major shift aimed at strengthening grassroots security, the Nigeria Police Force has redeployed a large number of officers previously assigned to VIP escort duties back to core community policing roles.
The government said the move has already led to improved security visibility and response capacity across affected states in the North Central region.
President Tinubu reiterated that Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts remain Nigerian-led and sovereignty-driven. While affirming the country’s capacity to confront internal security threats, the government noted it remains open to strategic international cooperation — including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support from partners such as the United States — where it aligns with Nigeria’s national interest.
The administration pledged that “the full weight of the State” would be brought to bear on individuals and groups threatening national peace and stability.
Operation Savannah Shield, authorities say, forms part of a broader strategy to sustain security momentum and prevent further attacks in the region.
