Kwara Killings: Federal Government Intensifies Security Operations In North-Central

The federal government has intensified security operations across Nigeria’s North-Central region following recent terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of about 75 villagers in Kwara State.

In a statement issued to journalists on Friday in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the renewed offensive, code-named ‘Operation Savannah Shield’, involved the deployment of military, police, and national forest guard units to reinforce security assets in the affected areas.

He explained that the forces were supported by enhanced intelligence capabilities and rapid-response protocols, operating under the expanded security mandate of President Bola Tinubu, declared during the state of emergency on national security on November 26, 2026.

“President Tinubu condemned the Kwara attacks as beastly, heartless, and emblematic of a doomed campaign by terrorists who deliberately target soft targets,” Idris said.

“He has directed that the full weight of the State be brought against all actors threatening the peace,” he added.

The minister noted that with heightened deployments now underway in at-risk communities, the President was demonstrating an unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives and upholding citizens’ fundamental right to worship freely.

Idris disclosed that enhanced security measures were being implemented around places of worship, including increased visible police presence around churches on Sundays, in close coordination with local communities and faith leaders.

He further revealed that the Nigeria Police Force has carried out a large-scale redeployment of officers previously assigned to VIP escort duties nationwide.

“These personnel have been returned to core community policing functions, delivering measurable improvements in security presence across Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.

According to him, President Tinubu has consistently maintained that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations will remain Nigerian-led and sovereignty-driven.

“Where appropriate and consistent with the nation’s interests, the Government welcomes broad cooperation, including from the United States and other partners on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, in support of objectives defined by Nigeria and for Nigerians,” Idris stated.