Operation Savannah Shield Launched in Kwara as CDS Vows to Dismantle Terror Networks
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Olufemi Oluyede, on Thursday formally operationalised Operation Savannah Shield in Ilorin, declaring a full-scale, intelligence-driven offensive against terrorist networks, kidnapping syndicates and allied criminal groups operating in Kwara State and contiguous areas of Niger State.
The operation was inaugurated at the 22 Brigade, Sobi Military Cantonment, Ilorin, and is structured as a Joint Task Force for the North Central theatre.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the initiative is strategically mandated to decisively dismantle criminal elements threatening communities, critical infrastructure and agricultural belts across the region.
Addressing officers and stakeholders at the flag-off ceremony, General Oluyede stressed that the deployment is “not a routine exercise,” but a deliberate and coordinated mission designed to deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He affirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are fully prepared to dominate the operational environment, consolidate previous security gains and secure vulnerable corridors, including forested enclaves and ungoverned spaces previously exploited as safe havens by terrorists.
“We will conduct sustained clearance and stabilisation operations across the theatre,” he warned, assuring citizens of enhanced inter-agency synergy and improved joint operational effectiveness.
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The CDS disclosed that the Theatre Commander, Major General Yakubu Yahaya, will coordinate and oversee integrated operations within the Joint Operational Area. He also called on traditional rulers, youth leaders and community stakeholders to provide credible and timely intelligence, emphasising that national security remains a shared responsibility.
In his remarks, Kwara State Governor, 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.
Governor Abdulrazaq commended General Oluyede and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as a swift and decisive response. He expressed confidence that the operation would restore public confidence, reinforce peace and stimulate socio-economic recovery across affected communities.
Highlighting the implications for food security, the governor stated 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 the sustained collaboration among the Armed Forces and other security agencies, stressing that unified command and operational synergy remain pivotal to mission success.
The ceremony drew the attendance of 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 what officials described as a unified national resolve to eliminate terrorism.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reiterated its commitment to decisively neutralising all terrorist threats and restoring lasting stability in the North Central region.