‎***GOC on operational assessment visit

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Operation Savannah Shield deployed in Kwara State following last week’s terrorists attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, has swung into operation.

‎President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the movement of 1 battalion of troops to the area in the wake of the attack in which more than 100 people were killed.

‎The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said on Monday  that the operation which will also take charge of Niger State, would fish out the terrorists who killed people for justice for be served.

‎In a statement on Monday by Defence spokesman, Major General Michael Onoja also itemized some of the success recorded by troops in other parts of the country.

‎Also yesterday, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife visited the Woro community.

‎The DHQ which also expressed it condolence to the families of the victims, said the military is working with other security agencies to create an environment where every Nigerian can thrive without fear or apprehension.

‎The statement added that, following a presidential directive, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in conjunction with the Army Headquarters (AHQ) and other services, has inaugurated Operation Savannah Shield to conduct intensive operations in Kwara and Niger States to rout out the festering terrorist enclaves in the area.

‎He said the operation which was carved out from Operation FANSAN YAMMA is designed to enhance security operations in the area.

‎“On this note, the Chief of Defence Staff wishes to convey his condolences and sympathy to the Government of Kwara State and the families of victims of the killings in Woro and Nuku villages in Kaiama LGA of Kwara State on 4 February 2026. 

‎“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will work closely with other security agencies to ensure perpetrators are brought to justices,” the statement said.

‎Giving the breakdown of military operations within the week, the military high command said troops in the North East, neutralised over 50 terrorists , rescued 82 kidnapped hostages and arrested 13 suspected terrorists

‎In the North West, it said troops arrested 19 suspected terrorists and rescued 23 hostages within the period. 

‎In the North Central, the DHQ said troops arrested 32 suspects and rescued 22 kidnap hostages.

‎It said: “In the same vein, troops in the South South arrested nine suspected oil thieves, 24 other suspected criminals and a rescued kidnap victim.

‎“In the South East, troops arrested 23 terrorists and rescued six hostages.”

‎Army chief sympathises with Woro community, reviews security posture

‎The GOC during his sympathy and operational assessment visit to Woro community  the village head and held consultations with the Senator representing Kwara North, Sen. Suleiman Sadiq Umar.

‎He GOC also inspected the site of a mass burial conducted after the attack, as part of efforts to understand the impact of the incident and reassure the affected community of the military’s commitment to their safety.

‎According to a source, during an on-the-spot assessment of troop locations in the area, Nnebeife made operational adjustments and provided necessary inputs to strengthen the security of both military positions and the host community.

‎“He commended and motivated the troops, urging them to remain vigilant and proactive in countering emerging threats within their area of responsibility.

‎ “The GOC later proceeded to Wawa Cantonment in Niger State, where he met with the Commanding Officer of 221 Battalion and reviewed the security architecture of the cantonment and surrounding areas.

‎“He emphasised the need for heightened alertness against threats posed by bandits and other criminal elements, particularly within border communities.

‎ “The visit, which ended with his return to Ilorin was described as hitch-free”.

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