President Bola Tinubu has ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area in Kwara State, following a terrorist attack on the Worro community. The directive initiates “Operation Savannah Shield,” a new military operation aimed at countering terrorist activities and safeguarding vulnerable communities in the region.
The attack, which resulted in civilian fatalities, drew strong condemnation from the president. In a statement released by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, in Abuja on Wednesday, Tinubu described the assault as “cowardly and barbaric.” He vowed that security agencies would track down the perpetrators and ensure they face justice.
A notable aspect of the incident highlighted by the president was the community’s resistance. Tinubu stated that the terrorists attempted to indoctrinate residents, but the community members, who are Muslim, rejected a “weird belief that promoted violence over peace and dialogue.” He commended their choice to practice a moderate Islam, noting their refusal to be conscripted into violent extremism.
The president has called for enhanced collaboration between federal and state agencies. He urged coordinated efforts to provide immediate relief to the affected community and to prevent the culprits from escaping. Offering condolences, Tinubu prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and expressed sympathy with the bereaved families, the people of Kwara, and the state government.
The deployment underscores the federal government’s strategy to reinforce security in Nigeria’s northwest, an area that has faced persistent threats from armed groups. Operation Savannah Shield is framed as a proactive measure to establish a secure environment and deter future attacks on communities. The success of this operation will depend on effective coordination between military forces and local authorities, as well as sustained intelligence gathering to dismantle terrorist networks operating in the region.
