Operation Savannah Shield Launched in Kwara to Combat Terrorism and Protect Food Security
Operation Savannah Shield officially commenced in Kwara State on Thursday, marking the start of a coordinated offensive by the Federal Government and security forces to eliminate “enemies of the state” across Kwara and its neighboring regions.
The multi-agency operation was flagged off at Sobi Barracks in Ilorin, the designated headquarters for the mission, which received presidential approval following recent deadly terrorist attacks in Kaiama and parts of Niger State.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq performed the flag-off alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
In a statement released by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the Governor expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his swift response to the state’s distress call regarding the escalation of activities by terror groups and kidnapping syndicates.
The Governor emphasized that the operation is vital not only for national security but for the preservation of food security. He noted that the areas most affected by banditry are critical farming belts, where agricultural activities have been hindered by instability.
While acknowledging that security has improved significantly in Kwara South over the past year, he identified Kwara North as a persistent challenge that Operation Savannah Shield is specifically designed to address. He noted that the rapid deployment of troops provides much-needed relief to residents, ensuring they can once again “sleep better.”
General Olufemi Oluyede clarified that the Joint Task Force comprises components from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
During his visit to the Government House, the CDS stated that the military is adopting a “robust approach” to checkmate the atrocities committed by criminal networks. He reiterated that the primary goal of the mission is to stabilize the region and dismantle the operational base of insurgents threatening the peace of both Kwara and Niger states.
