THE Federal Government has stepped up security operations in Nigeria’s North Central region following coordinated attacks in Kwara State that claimed the lives of about 75 villagers.
The renewed crackdown, code-named Operation Savannah Shield, will see the deployment of additional military troops, police officers, and national forest guards to vulnerable communities.
The initiative was announced today by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to safeguarding citizens.
According to Idris, the operation is supported by strengthened intelligence gathering and rapid-response strategies aimed at curbing further violence.
He said the move reflects the expanded national security mandate earlier declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who proclaimed a state of emergency on national security in November.
President Tinubu condemned the Kwara killings as “beastly” and “heartless,” pledging that those responsible would face the full weight of the law.
The Federal Government said security presence has also been increased around places of worship, particularly churches during Sunday services, in collaboration with community and faith leaders.
In a related development, the Nigeria Police Force has redeployed officers previously assigned to VIP protection duties to frontline community policing roles.
The redeployment is expected to bolster security across Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger states, and the Federal Capital Territory.
While maintaining that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts remain sovereign and Nigerian-led, the government said it is open to strategic international partnerships, including intelligence and surveillance support from allies such as the United States, where such cooperation aligns with national interests.
The attacks occurred on Tuesday evening in the Woro community and neighbouring Nuku area of Kwara North.
Gunmen reportedly stormed the communities, set shops ablaze, burned the residence of a traditional ruler, and forced residents to flee. Many victims have since been buried.
The Northern States Governors’ Forum described the killings in Kwara and other affected states as barbaric and an affront to national unity.
Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, labelled the incident a massacre and confirmed that security reinforcements, including an army battalion ordered by the President, have been deployed to restore calm.
The government reiterated its resolve to restore peace and ensure Nigerians can live and worship without fear.